WALKER — A Walker family narrowly escaped after waking up to find their home engulfed in flames early Tuesday morning.
Victoria Patton said she was awakened around 5:45 a.m. by loud crashing sounds. Initially unsure of the source, she rushed out of her bedroom at the front of the house and discovered that a fire was breaking the windows near the patio at the back.
“I told my son to get out, and then I grabbed my pets,” Patton recalled. “Within a minute, the whole house was filled with smoke, and the fire was running through the attic.”
Patton, her boyfriend, and her son all managed to escape unharmed. Fire crews fought the flames for around two hours, but the family’s duplex unit was a total loss. The roof collapsed despite efforts to contain the flames.
The adjoining unit, which was unoccupied, was also destroyed.
Patton said she feels lucky to have heard the crashing sounds, as the home’s smoke detectors didn’t activate until after the flames had broken through. Due to the fire’s rapid spread, the family had only moments to flee.
She was able to save both their cat and rabbit before escaping, but the family left with nothing but their pajamas. However, while sifting through the rubble after the fire was extinguished, someone miraculously found Patton’s phone in the ashes—still working, despite the smoke and water damage. Because her ID and bank cards were inside the phone case, she was relieved to still have access to them.
Although they managed to recover a few small items, including some photos, a kitchen table, and chairs, the rest of their belongings were lost.
How you can assist the family
Right now, the family is in need of clothes and bedding items. They are able to stay in another unit on the property, but because they only came out in pajamas, they have nothing to put inside.
Immediate needs for the family include pillows, blankets and bedsheets, dishes, and shoes and clothes.
Patton’s son, who is around 8 years old, is coping better as the day progresses. For those looking to donate items for him, he enjoys Minecraft, board games, and video games like Roblox.
Family clothing sizes:
- Women’s: Size X-Large/16 pants, Large or X-Large tops, X-Large underwear
- Men’s: Large tops, pants, and underwear (Pant size 34)
- Boy’s (8 years old): Medium (7/8 – 9/10) clothing
Donations can be brought to Kelsey Wise, the property manager of the rental homes. To arrange a drop-off, text Wise at (225) 454-4101.
Any surplus donations the family cannot use will go toward a community donation day at the Office for Community Management in Denham Springs, Wise said. The event will be Saturday, March 29th from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at 140 Aspen Square.
Donations will be accepted for the family/event until Thursday, March 27th. No large furniture is accepted.
There is also a GoFundMe set up for the family for those who wish to donate.
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