NEDERLAND — A family in Mid-County will have to find another place to live following a fire that badly damaged their home Tuesday night.
Firefighters rushed to the home of Brent and Ashlee Richard in Central Gardens on 8th Avenue, just off Twin City Highway, around 8:30 p.m. The Richards lived in the home with their two daughters, who are six and three.
Crews from Jefferson County Water District No. 10 Volunteer Fire Department took the lead in fighting the flames. Thankfully, no one was inside, according to the public information officer for the water district 10.
The home was fully involved, and the damage resulted in a total loss. Investigators haven't said what may have caused the fire, but did confirm it was an accident.
A GoFundMe account has been created by Facebook user Christina Rogers. She says her "sister's family experienced the absolute worst nightmare," and just "7 days before Christmas they lost everything."
The family says they "would just like to thank our community for the outpouring of love and support they've already been shown in such a short time. It's honestly something you'd never think would actually happen to you.. it's a lot to process right now."
Shelby Gallion has lived down the street from the Richards for about a year-and-a-half now. He said he was surprised when he realized the sirens were stopping so close to his home.
Gallion said the fire department had trouble getting the hydrant closest to the house to work.
"They had to get two fire trucks and run all the way to the end of the street and then they ran a hose to the end of the street all the way down here," said Gallion.
A spokesperson for the Jefferson County Water District No. 10 Volunteer Fire Department said the hydrant had a leak. Firefighters used water from a second fire engine until they could get a hydrant connected. According to the Jefferson County Water District No. 10, the hydrant is functioning properly. Workers spent the day flushing it out.
Gallion said he feels for the family this close to the holidays.
"God does a lot of things, and I believe that with everything I have, but it's 6 days now before Christmas and she lost everything, including her dog," said Gallion.
Gallion said the community is behind them.