Olney Family Starts GoFundMe After Fire

A house fire destroyed a residence at 209 Cherry Street in Olney around midday on Sunday, Jan. 25 in the midst of Winter Storm Fern, leaving the home uninhabitable and displacing its occupants.

The Olney Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to the fire around noon, according to OVFD Capt. Jason Pack. The fire originated in the garage area and quickly spread into the back portion of the house.

“It started in the garage area and by the time we got there it had progressed into the back part of the house,” Mr. Pack said. “They had to evacuate. It is unlivable at this time.”

Firefighters remained on scene until nearly 3 p.m. Mr. Pack said the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

“There were multiple things in the area of that garage that could have started it,” Mr. Pack said. “We don’t know 110 percent what it was.”

No injuries were reported, and all occupants were able to evacuate safely. Mr. Pack said he was not certain how many people lived in the home.

The family affected by the fire has been temporarily housed at the Windmill Inn. The American Red Cross was contacted to assist, Mr. Pack said. The Enterprise could not reach the residents at press time but the family has started a GoFundMe fundraiser to help mitigate their losses.

Raylee Clayton, a member of the family, described the loss as devastating.

“My family and I have just experienced a devastating house fire that has left our home and all of our belongings damaged and burned,” Ms. Clayton said on the GoFund-Me page. “In a matter of moments, everything we have worked so hard for was lost.”

Ms. Clayton said the family is now facing the challenge of rebuilding and securing temporary housing while repairs are made.

“We are grateful that we are safe and together,” she said. “The shock and heartbreak of seeing our home in ruins is something we never imagined.”

First Baptist Church of Olney Pastor Chad Edgington said the church is assisting the displaced family.

“There was a fire in town and we [paid] for several nights in the Windmill for those affected,” Dr. Edgington said.

The Newcastle Volunteer Fire Department also responded to the blaze.

To donate, scan the QR code below or search for Jacob Lara’s GoFuneMe page.