No injuries were reported after a fire destroyed a Winlock residence on Wednesday night.
Approximately 20 firefighters from Lewis County Fire Districts 15-Winlock, 2-Toledo, 20-Vader, and 5-Napavine responded at 9:50 p.m. on Nov. 24 to the report of a structure fire in the 100 block of Allman Road that was threatening an additional structure.
First arriving units found heavy fire conditions from the single story residence, according to Lewis County Fire District 15, and crews initiated an offensive attack while also protecting a nearby exposure.
The fire was deemed to be under control at 10:15 p.m. and units remained on scene extinguishing hot spots until about midnight.
While no one was injured, the house’s residents, Bob and Carol Sutton, lost their home and nearly everything inside.
“Poor Sister Carol wasn’t even able to grab her purse or Bible before escaping,” stated the Board of Directors for Small Acts of Kindness, a local nonprofit that is organizing a GoFundMe for the couple, in a written statement. “Even in this,” they wrote, “we find reason to praise God that everyone made it out safely.”
Small Acts of Kindness said they were starting the fundraiser for the Suttons “simply in response to the several individuals who have already reached out wanting to help.”
As of Friday morning, the GoFundMe had raised $1,030 of its $100,000 goal.
“Carol and Bob are so special to our community and such a blessing to so many people,” said Small Acts of Kindness.
For more information or to donate, visit gofund.me/2c2b2828.
Donations can also be made through the Suttons’ church, the Winlock Assembly of God by mail at P.O. Box 506, Winlock, WA, 98596 or in person at 702 Southeast First Street, Winlock, or by mail to Small Acts of Kindness at P.O Box 652, Winlock, WA, 98596.
“Of course, above all, please keep praying,” said the nonprofit.
The Lewis County Fire Marshal is investigating the cause and origin of the fire.
