TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW/Gray News)— A Kansas family is having to start over after they have lost just about everything they own in a house fire.
This past Sunday, the house Michelle Franco and her family were living in caught on fire and destroyed everything in reach.
Not having renters insurance, the fire has left them in even more of a bind as they continue trying to pick up the pieces.
“It’s heartbreaking because this was my kids’ home. They don’t have a home right now – we have a temporary home, but that’s not ours,” Franco said.
She added, “I wasn’t here whenever it started. My daughter and my son-in-law were making some food and my younger son asked my daughter if she could make him something to eat. He went to the kitchen and the stove was on fire.”
Franco said those inside the home, including their baby, were able to escape and run out of the house.
“I got here and ambulances, the fire department, just everybody hosing down everything. It’s horrible that we lost everything in this fire,” she said.
Franco noted that the materialistic items pale in comparison to the relief of knowing her family had gotten out unscathed.
“God was watching over every single one of them in that house and got them out nice and safe. That was the most wonderful thing – to have come back and see all of my family standing on one side,” she said. “I just hugged every single one of them and kissed them.”
Amidst the heartache and rebuilding, community members and good Samaritans are letting them know they’re not alone during this time.
“Everything that’s in the house can be replaced but a life cannot and I think that’s pretty much all that counts,” Franco said.
An official cause of the fire has not been determined by fire officials
Franco said the family is still in need of a few donations, including pants.
Family members have started a GoFundMe for assistance. The Brew Coffee Shop is also helping by collecting items the family needs.
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