The home of Sean and Hally Calverley in Willowbrook was razed by fire on July 25. The neighbourhood is now rallying to help them.
What comes around goes around in Willowbrook.
The close-knit community is demonstrating the meaning of family as it rallies to help a couple who lost their home to fire on July 25.
Sean and Hally Calverley barely escaped in housecoats and jeans before their log home (at 1094 Green Lake Road) went up in flames Saturday night.
“They lost everything you could have in a house. It’s all gone,” said Willowbrook Fire Chief Brad Fossett.
The home was fully engulfed when firefighters arrived at approximately 10:30 pm. The heat was so intense they couldn’t get near the structure to start putting water on it. So the main objective was “making sure we didn’t end up with a raging wildfire,” Fossett said. (Firefighters were able to stop the blaze from spreading into the nearby forest.)
The chief stated that Sean reportedly spotted the fire and managed to get everyone out. Their dogs were also saved.
Fossett said he suspects the fire originated in the lower part (basement) of the home, but the cause is undetermined.
The chief pointed out that nobody was injured during the incident, adding that the family had house insurance.
He praised the neighours for helping out, including those who handled traffic control. He also noted that FortisBC was extremely fast in responding to isolate a power line so that firefighters could work safely.
Neighbour Tony Iannella was astounded at how quickly the fire started.
“Literally in three minutes. It went from nothing to an inferno. I’ve never seen anything like that.”
Iannella said a “gofundme” account has been established to raise money for Sean and Hally, who are currently staying with family in Willowbrook.
“These people are good friends and neighbours to our entire community,” the website states. “Whenever anyone needs anything they’re the first to be there.”
Megan Roberston said she doesn’t know Sean or Hally personally, but they helped her grandmother over the years, and for that she is extremely grateful.
“I wanted to give back to them.”
Carrie Smith said Hally adopted her kitten when she couldn’t take care of it anymore.
“They are wonderful and kind hearted people.”
Supporter Naomi Watt said Sean and Hally are the first to help others when they need it.
The “gofundme” account is located at http://www.gofundme.com/6ed5azpnc
By Lyonel Doherty
