By Staff
Story and photo by Lisa Tindell
An East Brewton family has been forced to “start over” after a Monday afternoon fire destroyed their rented home and all of their belongings.
East Brewton's fire department responded to the fire at 813 Dailey St., just after 2 p.m., Fire Chief Joey Shell said.
Eric Patterson, who suffers from asthma, was treated and released by medical personnel following an examination.
Patterson and Williams live in the rented home with Williams' two daughters, Aliesha and Tory Lashley. The teens were in school at W.S. Neal High School when the fire occurred, Williams said. Aliesha is a senior, while Tory is a tenth-grader at the school.
When the family returned to the home, they were greeted by Rogene Martin, director of the East Escambia Chapter of Red. Cross.
Martin said the local Red Cross would be able to supply the family with a place to stay for a few days and even offer some assistance with clothing.
Williams said her family lost two cats as a result of the fire.
Shell said the exact cause of the blaze has not been determined, but a burning candle may have caused the fire.
Shell said Patterson attempted to extinguish the blaze with a water hose but was having little success before firefighters arrived at the scene.
Martin said officials indicated the property would be condemned as a result of the fire.
Anyone interested in donating furniture, clothing or appliances for the family's rebuilding efforts, please contact the American Red Cross at 867-3426 or Stacy Williams at 251-230-5038.
Clothing sizes for the family are: Aliesha Lashley - Pants: size 0; Shirts: size medium; shoes: size 8 1/2. Tory Lashley - Pants: size 9; Shirts: size large; Shoes: size 9; Stacy Williams - Pants: size 26; Shirts: size 3XL; Shoes: 9 1/2. Eric Patterson - Pants: size 3XL; Shirt: size 6XL; Shoes: size 13.