Fire Saturday destroys older home on 523 Earle Crescent leaving a family with no home to their own.

Edna Lalonde was living in the home with her 16 year old brother Steven, a friend (Edgar Montante) and her 72 year old dad Frank .

1 other person stayed there on occasion but only Edna and her brother were in the house Saturday when they woke up to the smell of smoke and the noise of flames. Her brother yelling ” the house is on fire “ – and without really knowing where it started they escaped to safety. All of them believe it started in a dryer not in the kitchen. Frank says he loaded a bunch of laundry and had left the house to try find a laundry basket downtown. Later Edna, 20, says she slipped on a concrete sidewalk trying to prevent her dad from going into the fire scene. No serious injuries occurred, although the pair were treated for smoke inhalation. Lalonde said because her brother had briefly re-entered the house, he suffered more extensive lung problems and taken to Penticton Regional Hospital to treatment before being released Saturday evening.

A community campaign has been launched to help out the family. People can call 250-408-9438 or email edna.lalonde@hotmail.com.

Edna Lalonde says she is living with friends south of town and appreciates all the effort of those trying to help the family.

Myrna Smith is helping to find clothing and furniture – “Every one is safe and has a place to stay – We will be collecting items for this family. Please email us for a drop off point/ or pick up times. If you have larger items such as furniture please list them in the body of the email. We want to avoid receiving doubles or triples of items.

email myrmura1@gmail.com

Frank has lived in Oliver before – he says they moved into this house last December after living on School Avenue for a spell. He brought three children up from Mexico in the last few years.