Laura Young
ECB Publishing, Inc.
At 10:29 a.m. on Tuesday, May 5, Jefferson County Fire Rescue (JCFR) responded to a house fire on Mallard Lane after a neighbor reported seeing flames coming from the home. Community efforts have been underway to assist the family – Erik and Kim Pearce and their son Isaac – with their needs following the devastating fire.
JCFR Capt. Ryan Flynt reported that six units responded to the scene and, upon arrival, found the mobile home fully involved with flames coming through the roof. A mid-sized car parked 10 feet from the home was also completely on fire. No occupants were reported to be present.
Firefighters first attacked the flames through a window and a burnt-out wall of the structure. After the visible flames were knocked down, they proceeded to extinguish hidden flames above the ceiling and behind drywall.
“During suppression efforts,” Flynt wrote, “one dog and one cat were located in the master bedroom on the unburnt side. The animals were removed from the home, but were deceased.”
All hot spots and hidden heat were then located by pulling down additional ceiling and drywall, and through the use of a thermal imaging camera. Approximately 5,000 gallons of water was used in the suppression efforts.
JCFR was assisted on the scene by the Wacissa Volunteer Fire Department and Jefferson County Sheriff's Office.
The car was deemed a total loss. The home suffered 90% fire damage and 100% smoke damage.
The investigation, including interviews with the owners who arrived after fire suppression began, suggested that the fire likely started on the front porch of the home; flammable liquids located there may have been ignited by heat lamps being used to warm a pet lizard and some small chicks.
Larissa Pearce, Erik and Kim's adult daughter, has established a fundraising site to help her parents and little brother recover.
Larissa states: “With no insurance to help cover the loss, they are facing an incredibly difficult journey ahead. The fire completely destroyed Isaac’s room and took away everything the family had worked for. One of the hardest parts has been the loss of beloved pets – a cat, a puppy, two lizards, guinea pigs and rats. The heartbreak of losing these companions has made this tragedy even more painful for the family, especially for Isaac. The funds raised will go directly toward replacing essentials like clothing and household items. It will also help cover the costs of demolition and cleanup, which are necessary steps before they can begin to rebuild. Caring for their surviving animals is a top priority, and your support will ensure they have what they need to stay safe and healthy during this challenging time. Any support means the world to them right now. The family is grateful for any help as they rebuild and move forward. Thank you for standing with them and offering hope when it’s needed most.”
To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/f/help-kim-erik-isaac-rebuild-after-fire/ .
In addition, the family notes, “Isaac’s room saw the worst of everything. He lost all of his toys and clothes save for what he’d taken to school.”
Isaac's birthday is May 26, and Kim has made him a birthday wishlist online for anyone who would like to contribute in this way: www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/1MTR557DT4TR?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_ggr-subnav-share_EQGQVQ8N94W6CWGKQNSJ&language=en-US .