GoFundMe created for Dawson Creek mother of three who lost everything in house fire

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — A GoFundMe campaign has been launched for a Dawson Creek mother and her three children after a house fire caused significant damage to their home and belongings early Thursday morning.

Emily Wheat says early in the morning on Thursday, just after midnight, she heard a “weird beeping sound” coming from the upper level of her home, so she went upstairs to investigate.

“By the time I got to the second flight of stairs, I realized the power was off, so I became even more confused,” said Wheat. 

“Once I made it up a couple of steps, I saw everything was engulfed in smoke but I couldn’t see any flames. I actually couldn’t see anything at all.”

Wheat says because she often plays “in-the-dark-hide-and-seek” with her kids, she has the layout of her house memorized and was able to navigate through the smoke to the front door.

“I ran and opened the front door thinking it might be a small fire with lots of smoke and needed to get air in the house,” said Wheat. 

“Unfortunately, I think I ended up feeding the fire. Then, I remembered my daughter and started freaking out and trying to get to her. She woke up and ran to me and we ran outside, and I went back in and got her boots and coat.”

Wheat says her other two children were with their father at the time the fire occurred. 

 “By the time we got to the driveway the fire had burst out the windows and the flames were already at the roof,” said Wheat.

“It was very scary. We just barely made it out.”

Wheat and her daughter, along with the family dogs, made it out safely with no injuries.

“We spent eight hours in the hospital getting treatment for smoke inhalation, but we’re both doing really well,” said Wheat. 

According to Dawson Creek Fire Department Chief Marcel Capelle, 13 firefighters responded to the fire and were on the scene for approximately two hours. 

“It appeared to have started in the kitchen area, but it’s still under investigation to find out exactly what happened there,” said Capelle.

“Next week, it will be investigated further.”

In the meantime, Wheat says it looks like “pretty much everything is gone” in terms of essentials and personal belongings.

“[The fire department] said to expect a total loss, and anything we can recover is a bonus,” said Wheat.

“All the kids’ clothes, and all the kids’ things — all of that is gone. They’re going to try and launder a bag of clothes from my room and see if they can get rid of the smoke damage, but if not — then all my clothes are gone too. But, I’m more worried about the kids.”

Wheat’s friend, Hannah Townsend, created the GoFundMe campaign for the family to help provide groceries, clothing, and other essential items.

“The fire consumed all of their cherished memories, belongings, clothing, and furniture. This devastating incident has left Emily overwhelmed with dread and fear,” Townsend wrote on the campaign page.

“Your contribution would mean the world to all of us who cherish Emily and her loved ones.”

At this time, Wheat says her two youngest children are staying with their father, while she and her daughter stay in a friend’s spare room. The funds raised through the GoFundMe will be used to help the family get back on their feet.

“My main concern is getting into a place again, so I can get my kids again because obviously, I miss them,” said Wheat.

Wheat says the support she has received so far has been overwhelming.

“Thank you so much to everybody. My phone has been ringing off the hook, and it’s been amazing. Especially during such a hard, overwhelming time,” said Wheat. 

The mother of three says she would like to remind everyone to check their smoke detectors as well.

“They saved our lives, and I know a lot of people don’t check them.”

Those who would like to support Wheat and her children by making a contribution can do so by visiting her GoFundMe page.

At the time of this article’s publishing, $2,685 has been raised.