What remains of the home. (rdnewsNOW/Ashley Lavallee-Koenig)

By Ashley Lavallee-Koenig

GOFUNDME ACTIVE

Red Deer family loses home after attic fire

Jan 20, 2025 | 12:32 PM

A Red Deer family is asking for the community’s help after a fire reduced their home to rubble over the weekend.

On Jan. 19, the Kooiman family was enjoying a cozy afternoon in their home when they noticed smoke building up in the residence.

At about 2:30 p.m., Red Deer Emergency Services (RDES) received notice of the situation and arrived to find a “deep seated fire” in the attic space, said Matt White, assistant deputy chief.

”We attempted to extinguish the fire from inside the house, but the fire quickly overtook the attic and we were forced to pull crews out of the building and fight the fire from outside,” White said.

The family of five, two adults and three children, were safely evacuated and sustained no injuries, he reported. Neighbouring residents were evacuated as a precaution and, aside from some water damage to a basement, no fire damage spread to neighbouring houses.

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White said RDES deployed four engines, a ladder, platoon chief and ambulance for a total of about 28 staff members.

Despite their best efforts, “the fire resulted in the complete destruction of that house,” reported White.

The cause of the fire is still being investigated.

White also shared, the victims are currently staying with family. Those wishing to donate and help them rebuild can do so at a GoFundMe started on the family’s behalf.