House Fire
July 30 -RCMP press release: The fire has been determined to be none criminal in nature and the RCMP have concluded their investigation into the matter.
July 26 - Friends and family have coordinated their efforts and have created a Facebook page for the community to come together and share ideas and let everybody know what is being done to help the Clair/Cornelsen family.
https://www.facebook.com/ClaircornelsenCommunitySupportProject
Updated: 5:00 pm, July 24 -
Fox in Focus interview with Stephanie Cornelsen
Everything is going to be fine.
Stephanie would like to extend her appreciation to everyone who has been so supportive to her, Richard Clair and their children, Reid and Charlie, through the past 12 hours since their family home was lost to fire. She explained they are trying to figure out insurance matters and living with Richard’s parents at the moment.
“We have an amazing support system, everything is going to be fine,” said Stephanie. “We really appreciate everything; everyone’s been so sweet and so kind. We feel very blessed, we have some awesome friends and everybody’s been amazing.”
Facebook posts and concerned questions on what the community could to do to help rallied together in a matter of hours. “We don’t need clothes or things for the house, we really don’t have any place to store anything right now and have been given so much already,” the mother of two explained.
What the family needs assistance with is help to find a decent rental place and they are focusing on moving forward. A trust fund is set up at the CIBC bank for the family. Here is the link to donate online: https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/dLDo2?psid=a5049c4a4f8a4a2cb59823db0cf69ba8.
The family, who lost their home to the fire, currently does not need housewares, clothes for their children, etc. because in the short period of time since the flames engulfed their home of eight years, generosity and kindness has overwhelmed the family and there is a lack of storage space for ‘stuff’.
Stephanie enlightened on her family’s blessings – a wedding last weekend resulted in a duffle bag of clothes still in the vehicle, her baby photos were in storage in Grande Prairie and her purse was left in the car.
The main concern, everyone is safe; the parents, the kids and their dog. “Stuff is just stuff.” – Stephanie.
RCMP Press Release – 2:30 pm, July 24
On July 23 around 11:50 pm the Fox Creek RCMP responded to a report of a house fire at the 200 block of 5th Street in Fox Creek.
When police arrived the volunteer fire department and EMS were on scene and all house occupants were accounted for. The neighboring houses were also evacuated while the fire department battled the blaze.
At this time the cause of the fire is undetermined and the RCMP continue their investigation with the assistance of the Fire Department.
Upon the fire department’s arrival, the home owners were safe and out of the home. The house was fully engulfed at that time.
“Our primary concern at that point was to protect the neighboring homes from damage. In total, we had 10 firefighters and two fire engines on this fire,” said Fire Chief Les Paul.
“I want to thank Tim Pratt, past member who ran one of the engines while we waited for a few more members to come in from Little Smoky where they live, Gayle Tyson who brought the members sandwiches and such in the early hours of the morning and thank-you to the RCMP and the Ambulance staff for all of their help,” said Chief Paul.
On July 23 around 11:50 pm the Fox Creek RCMP responded to a report of a house fire at the 200 block of 5th Street in Fox Creek. No injuries to report. Photo taken 9:45 am, July 24, a curious bike rider looks on. 
At this time the cause of the fire is undetermined and the RCMP continue their investigation with the assistance of the Fire Department. Photos by Brandi Bedson.
Editor’s Note:
Fox Creek’s CIBC bank is collecting monetary donations, as a trust fund was set up by friends. The transit number is 09089 and the account number is 7634390.
Vanessa Wilkinson is collecting items for the family. Her address is 802-5A Street.
The family lost everything, furniture, houseware, clothes, etc. There are two adults, and two children; a three year old boy (size 3-4 clothes)and a four year old girl (sizes 4-5 clothes).
The Fox Creek Buy, Sell and Trade Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/groups/11574419655/ is another source to ask questions, or please comment below. This tragic news is very current and updates can be added or changed.
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Category: Public Notice and Press Releases
Sometimes when a tragedy like this takes place one can slip into shock and not fully realize what has been lost which in this case is everything. Upon further discussion with the family, they do indeed need everything. Any donations that you would like to make can be dropped off at Kevin and Brenda Clair’s house at 403-4th ave (just off Hammond toward the Lion’s park). Any donations are greatly appreciated. This community we live in is a very giving one and I want to thank you for everything you have done for this family.
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
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