Community rallies around Airdrie, Alta., family in need after fire destroyed their home

Firefighters in Airdrie, Alta., remained on scene Tuesday night after flames gutted a family home earlier in the day.

The community is rallying around an Airdrie, Alta., family who lost their home in a fire Tuesday afternoon.

Flames devoured the two-storey home and damaged two others along Baywater Street S.W.

The fire started shortly after 1 p.m.

Fire crews were on scene late into the evening and say the home where the fire started will need to be demolished.

That leaves a family of four with very little.

Family friend Dave Bodnarek has started a GoFundMe to support them through this next little while.

Bodnarek says the family is currently staying with relatives in Calgary but have lost nearly everything.

He said he and his wife were devastated to learn what had happened

“It’s something that lives so close to home. I couldn’t imagine losing our home and everything (else)—you’re not only losing all your belongings, but memories, pictures,” he said.

“I’m just glad they were all out and nothing happened (to them).”

Funds will help the family purchase clothing and food and cover transportation costs.

“Just a little bit to help,” Bodnarek said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.