The Oliver Fire Department believes that Monday’s fire started in the basement suite. A family of five living on the main floor escaped unharmed. Lyonel Doherty photo
A businessman driving through Oliver Monday morning never thought his day would start by pulling children out of a house fire.
The well-known entrepreneur, who asked to remain anonymous, told the Chronicle how he forced his way into the house at 6363 Main Street to determine if anyone was inside.
“I kicked open the door and almost knocked out a young kid who was trying to open the door,” the man said, noting that a family of five was living on the main floor.
Oliver Fire Chief Dan Skaros said the house was fully engulfed in flames (shooting through the roof) when firemen arrived prior to 6:30 am. The residence, a well-known “drug house,” according to police, was totally destroyed.
Skaros commended FortisBC workers for unhooking the power as fast as they did so that firefighters could work safely around the building.
A couple of people who were reportedly living in the basement were unaccounted for on Monday morning. The good Samaritan said that a lady informed him there were some tenants in the basement, so he kicked in a couple of windows and yelled to see if anyone was there. “Everything looked empty.”
Fire officials told the Chronicle that it was too hazardous to send firemen in the basement to conduct a search that morning. Media relations officer Rob Graham said they eventually knocked down a couple of walls and searched the basement, however, they didn’t find anyone.
Skaros said the only reported injury during the blaze was a firefighter with a cut finger.
The good Samaritan recalled there were no visible flames inside the house when he entered, but by the time the last family member got out, the back end of the structure was really hot. “I’m just happy the family made it out,” he said.
The man of the house, Edward Thomas, moved into the residence with his family six months ago.
Thomas said he woke up on Monday and heard what sounded like a pebble being tossed at the window. He then looked out of his window, saw the flames and shouted, “Fire?”
“I ran and got my wife and kids and tried to get what we could . . . then the good Samaritan banged on the door and came in. If he hadn’t come in when he had we wouldn’t have gotten out on time.”
The family had no renter’s insurance, and their car insurance didn’t cover fire or theft.
There were no injuries, but the cat didn’t make it out of the fire.
The couple put their kids in school on Tuesday because of the importance of keeping them in their routine.
Local emergency services have given the family three night’s stay at a hotel and vouchers for food. After that, they will stay at a relative’s place until they can get on their feet.
“We are devastated but we are just trying to move forward and figure this all out. I wouldn’t wish this on anyone, but all that matters is that we’re together,” Edward said.
He noted the kids are taking it hard.
“They’re young. You wouldn’t think they would understand what’s going on but they do. Our three-year-old came to me and said ‘daddy, is our house broken?’ They know more than we think.”
Edward said they figured out that something was going on downstairs, but unless it affected them directly, they tried to mind their own business and keep their distance.
Graham said the cause of the fire remains undetermined, but did point out they believe it started in the basement suite.
According to a transient who claims to frequent the residence, there was a party and bonfire held in the back yard Sunday evening. This was not confirmed by fire officials.
A camper in Centennial RV Park (behind the residence) told the Chronicle that the house was in full party mode last Thursday.
“Around 2 am there was the sound of people arguing, fighting, cars racing away,” the camper said.
He noted the police arrived on Friday morning, but the partying continued Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
“The whole campsite heard what was going on. My heart goes out to the kids.”
Shawna Michaud is a friend of fire victims Alice George and Edward Thomas. Michaud said the couple were not aware of the “illegal” activity that has been allegedly going on in the basement residence, but assured the Chronicle that the couple had nothing to do with it and upon discovering it, began desperately searching for a new place to live.
“They’re nice people,” Michaud emphasized. “They wouldn’t even let the kids go play in the backyard while the other residents were outside.”
Michaud said the couple lost “everything” in the fire. But she stated that work is underway to help the family with clothing and household items. Street missionary Jo Tanner is also helping with the collection.
“I know lots of moms . . . we’ll see what we can do to help the family rebuild,” said Tanner. “Oliver will show its shine again. It doesn’t take much when kids are involved,” Tanner said.
Local MLA Linda Larson’s constituency office next door sustained serious damage, particularly at the back of the building. Firefighters managed to recover some artwork and computers, which were accessed through a front window.
Larson said they might be able to save the building, and staff should be able to work from home.
“It’s not the way I wanted to end the Easter weekend,” she commented.
If you would like to donate items to the Thomas/George family or would like to help in any way, please contact Michaud by email at [email protected] or call 250.498.5523
Lyonel Doherty with files from Erin Christie
Oliver Chronicle
To see video of the fire, visit the Oliver Chronicle’s Facebook page.
