Community comes to aid of Blewett family left homeless after fire guts house
By Nelson Daily Staff
The slogan reads — fires that are small soon will be tall.
The Bill Lusted family realized first hand how quickly fire can spread after their Blewett home on Cazakoff Road west of Nelson was gutted in a matter of minutes Tuesday afternoon.
“Tammy was out on a walk and when she returned saw smoke coming from an (electrical) outlet in her son’s room,” a neighbour told The Nelson Daily Thursday.
No one was injured in the fire, although Tammy was taken to hospital and later released.
The family, which raises money through the sale of eggs and honey to rescue dogs from Mexican shelters, had several animals inside the house.
Tammy managed to save most of the animals except for a small dog-named Ginger.
The family also lost three cats along with some smaller animals and fish.
“Tammy tried to save all the animals but the fire went through the house so quick,” the neighbour said.
The children, 18-year-old Willow, Reo, 17 and Ivery and Eli, 14 and 12, respectively, had just gotten off the bus from school when the saw their house on fire.
Their oldest daughter, Madison, lives in Alberta.
Both Blewett and Beasley Fire Departments responded to the blaze along with RCMP and BC Ambulance.
Firefighters worked feverously, keeping the fire contained to the Lusted house and away from nearby homes.
The community has been quick to come to the aid of the Lusted family.
The Eagle Creek Guest Househ has offered Bill, Tammy and kids a place to stay.
Clothing is needed, including size 38 jeans and med to large shirts; 28 jeans and med top; a size 28 pants and med to large top; youth 10 pants and small top; and size 32 waist and med shirt and is being accepted at Ramp Body and Fender in Nelson.
Taghum Shell is accepting cash donations while Vogue Photographic in Nelson on Baker Street will have a donation box for gift cards and cash donations.
Total Pet in Castlegar is offering will increase the value by 25 percent on any gift card that is purchased for the family.
Email money transfers excepted at lusteddonation@hotmail.ca
A site on Facebook called Amazing community of Blewett comes together has been started and can be found at https://www.facebook.com/groups/461122267275026/
The site has more than 500 followers already.
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