Six Ponoka families are without a place to live and only the clothing on their backs after a devastating fire that consumed the row of six town houses located at 3905 46A Street Close, next to the Ponoka Reddi Mart off of Highway 53, on May 6.
The entire structure was fully involved by about 6:30 p.m. By around 7:30 p.m., the flames were extinguished and firefighters continued to douse the burned out remains of the building.
Marisa Saddleback lived in one of the town house units that were destroyed, along with her spouse and three children. She is also expecting a baby.
"Everything is gone," said Saddleback, adding even their mini-van was damaged, as it was parked close to the building.
The structure is a complete loss and she and her neighbours in the other five units have lost all their belongings. Some nearby sheds of other residences were also damaged, she said.
She estimates she lost around $30,000 worth of household items, and unfortunately, she did not have renter's insurance.
"We lost so much stuff ... I did lose a lot of things that were definitely not replaceable."
Those things included rare ceremonial items and family photos, she said.
Through the Red Cross, the family has a room until May 9, but will need a new place to live after that.
"We are looking for another home."
There are a number of ways for the community to help support those impacted by the fire.
Today, May 7, a free lunch is being hosted at the Ukrainian Bistro inside of the Riverbank Common building for those impacted by the fires and for first responders. Donations were also being accepted at the business.
As soon as the news of the fire hit, Redneck Barbie Inc. owner Mary Lynn Ellingson was reaching out to tennants of the town houses about their needs and organizing the donation drop-off and lunch.
Ellingson said people were already waiting to bring in bags and boxes at 8:30 a.m. Donated gift cards have also been pouring in from local businesses.
"I'm so proud of how our community pulls together when devastation hits," said Ellingson.
This evening, Laeta Morskate of The Crow will be collecting donations for the families affected by the fire as well during the Ponoka and District Chamber of Commerce's Business After Hours meeting from 6 to 8 p.m.
"Please consider donating small denomination gift cards for toiletries, clothing, blankets, or non-perishable food to our event this evening."
Also, a Calnash Ag Event Centre Facebook post from May 6 noted that, "A mother and daughter who are known to many of us through their connection to the Calnash Ag Event Centre and The Pony Express lost everything in a devastating house fire in Ponoka earlier today.
"They lived together in the housing complex that was destroyed and are now left with nothing."
Staff at the Calnash Ag Event Centre will be collecting donations, including clothing, toiletries, household essentials, and gift cards.
A GoFundMe has also been set up at https://gofund.me/710c5823 for those two residents who lost their home.
"Thank you for your compassion and support during this incredibly difficult time," added the post.
- With files from Mark Weber, Ponoka News
