Cedar Rapids Family Needs Help After House Fire Takes Everything

You've probably been asked at some point "if you could take one thing in a fire what would it be?" That question became a reality recently for one Cedar Rapids family.

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According to KCRG, Bridget Barrymore was at home making dinner when her daughter, Kapriah Williams, ran upstairs and told her that smoke was coming from the electrical box in the basement. They called 911 around 7:30 Saturday, April 16. When firefighters got to the home at 1017 B Avenue NW in Cedar Rapids, smoke was billowing out the front door. Firefighters immediately began hosing down the house and were able to put out the fire in the basement.

There's no word on what caused the fire, but the four adults and two children that were in the home made it out safely. Unfortunately, the pets did not. A dog, two cats, and a hamster died.

KCRG reports that officials say the house was heavily damaged. Because of how fast the situation progressed, there wasn't much that anyone could do. Willaims told KCRG that all they could do was run out of the house.

I literally had my work clothes, no shoes on, and my phone," said Williams.

With most of their belongings destroyed by fire and smoke, the family could use some help. Luckily, a GoFundMe was created to help them cover the basics while they find their new normal.

This wasn't the only fire to causing devastation and displacement. In February, a 12-story building in downtown Cedar Rapids caught fire. Luckily, everyone made it out safely. Times like these will certainly make you appreciate what you have.

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