Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
- The Richardson family lost their home in Cedar Hills, Utah County, to a fire on Sunday.
- Community support has been overwhelming thus far, with donations and a GoFundMe raising $18,000.
- The family is temporarily staying with relatives as they cope with their loss.
CEDAR HILLS, Utah County — A Cedar Hills family is figuring out their next steps after they lost their home in a fire just days after Thanksgiving.
"We've just started to see more and more the toll it's taking on the kids of just asking to go home," Merik Richardson said.
For Richardson and his wife, Jessica Richardson, that simple question, "Can we go home," has been one of the hardest parts of this week.
On Sunday night, Nov. 30, the couple and their two young kids, ages 4 and 2, were driving back from a family gathering when they got a call from their neighbor — their house was in flames.
"It's just, like, the most chaotic, surreal thing to have someone call you," Jessica Richardson said. "You hear about people's houses catching on fire, but it's never yours."
Crews were able to put out the flames, but the damage was extensive.
"They just told us it's a total loss, so, as far as everything in the home, just not salvageable," Merik Richardson said.
The Richardsons have spent the past few days sifting through what's left, trying to salvage anything they can. Fortunately, no one was hurt, and their two dogs, who were inside at the time, managed to get out safely.
"When tragedy strikes, you know, it's — you gotta find, like, the little things that you can look at that make it a little bit easier, you know, the silver linings," Merik Richardson said.
Now the couple is faced with trying to give their kids some sense of normalcy during the holidays, and coping with the loss of sentimental items, like the stockings Jessica Richardson made for her kids.
Through it all, the Richardsons said the community support has been overwhelming. Neighbors and friends have brought clothes, toys and essentials for the family. A GoFundMe* set up on their behalf has already raised more than $18,000.
"It's overwhelming. We just feel so much love," Jessica Richardson said. "As horrible as this is, it's, like, such a cool and humbling experience to be on the receiving end."
The family is staying with relatives for the time being and said they're taking things one day at a time.
"We are rebuilding, but I just want to say, like, we are not the only people who need help right now," Merik Richardson said. "Just know who your neighbors are, know who your friends are. Make sure that you're a net for them. ... Just be a good person."
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
