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RICHLAND TOWNSHIP — A Vestaburg family lost their home and everything in it in a Sunday afternoon fire.
The Stephenson family of Vestaburg lost everything they owned in a house fire on Sunday afternoon. — Submitted photo
The Richland Township Fire Department responded to 9228 E. Cannonsville Road just before 2 p.m.
“We were on scene within about five minutes of the call,” Richland Township Safety Capt. Terry Beetley said. “The structure was fully involved. It was a mobile home that had been added onto some. The occupants were a family of three and they all made it out safe.
“We were on scene about four hours,” he said. “The wind kind of hampered us, and the cold. We used about 25,000 gallons of water and we had a mixture of foam we put in there also. The house is a total loss.”
The Crystal Township Fire Department assisted on scene and Montcalm EMS was on standby, according to Beetley.
Beetley said while the cause is not yet known for certain, it may have something to do with a woodstove in the home. He said nothing is believed to be suspicious about the fire.
Todd and Tracey Stephenson and their 8-year-old son safely escaped the fire, but lost everything. The house was not insured, according to Todd.
“We don’t really know how the fire started,” Todd said. “We’re guessing an electrical short, maybe. It started underneath the house on the outside. We lost the house and the garage. We lost everything, our cash and wallets and everything.”
Todd said he is retired and disabled while Tracey is somewhat disabled and not currently working. Todd said the family doesn’t need any clothes or household items as community donations already appear to have more than covered those needs.
“Our big thing that we need is we need help in getting all the burnt rubbish cleaned up,” Todd said. “We need a doublewide or some kind of home put on there.”
The family would like to give their 8-year-old son Ethan a proper Christmas as well.
“Life can change quickly,” Todd said.
Anyone wishing to help can contact Todd via Facebook messenger at facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072278314680.
