A Brisco couple has been left homeless without any worldly possessions after their home was destroyed by fire Sunday, April 9.

Columbia Valley RCMP attended the address to find an A-frame log cabin fully involved in flames. The residents and locals that attended to assist were all at a safe distance and watching the fire and supporting the owners.

RCMP Sgt. Bob Vatamaniuck reported there were no reported injuries as everyone made it out of the house safely.

“Fortunately, there was no propane cylinders, oxygen, natural gas or other explosive materials left in the house, shed or carport. Neighbours managed to remove vehicles, welding equipment and other explosive materials away from the house before it got out of control,” Vatamaniuck said.

The fire is suspected to be the result of a wood burning stove chimney that caught fire and spread.  The homeowners tried to extinguish the fire with a garden hose but it was not enough.

BC Ambulance attended assessed both occupants and eventually transported them to the Invermere Hospital.

The fire was outside of Fire Service coverage area so consequently no fire department responded.

Since the fire, community members have begun to rally for the Snively family and are reaching out to the community-at-large for help, said Katerina D’amours in an email to e-KNOW.

“Vern and Candice Snively are left with nothing: no home, no clothes; nowhere to go. As a close-knit community here in the Columbia Valley, we must band together and open our hearts to help them through this very unfortunate tragedy in their lives,” D’amours said.

If you wish to participate in any part of the process underway to help, here are a few options:

– Donate items to the silent auction that would take place on May 13 at the a location to be determined from 6 to 10 p.m., contact Tess at: [email protected] / 250-341-7264;

– Come to the silent auction and place bids while having fun at our community get together.

– Donate whatever you can.

“Please help if you can: A community united will stand strong together!” D’amours urged.

Above photo: Vern and Candice Snively house fully involved Sunday. Photo submitted

e-KNOW

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