Community banding together for family impact by trailer house fire, cause still unknown
Dec. 19—MITCHELL — The cause of Sunday's total-loss trailer home fire is still under investigation, but Mitchell residents are doing what they can to help the family of six that was displaced.
A fire broke out Sunday morning on the 900 block of West Second Avenue in Mitchell, and Mitchell Fire Marshal Shannon Sandoval said Monday he's still working the scene. Eight to 10 firefighters were on scene for between four and five hours in near-zero degree temperatures.
"No firefighters were injured, but one adult who lived at the home sustained some burns," Sandoval said.
The state fire marshal will be assisting in the investigation.
Local retailer, Midtown Treasures, will be accepting donations on behalf of the family affected by the fire.
"I don't know them personally but the couple that owned that home shop here quite often and I saw that they needed help," Destany Carroll, owner of Midtown Treasures, said on Monday. "I figured since I have the shop I might as well try to help them out a little."
"It just breaks my heart because this family is just going through so much right now," Carroll said. "First the loss of their son and now the loss of their house — I can't imagine."
The family is also grieving the loss of family member, 15-year-old Kiets Antelope, who was reported missing last Tuesday, Dec. 13. According to the Mitchell Police Division, Antelope was found deceased late Tuesday night.
Carroll noted that, in fewer than 24 hours, Midtown Treasures has accumulated almost three vans full of donations for the family.
"Somebody actually came by and brought three huge bags of brand new bags of clothes, and another person donated a baby car seat already," Carroll said. "Just the outpouring of support from the community for this family — it makes me want to cry. I feel for them."
According to a Facebook posting via Midtown Treasures, the family is looking for clothing donations, baby essentials such as formula, diapers and bottles, car seats, basic hygiene items such as shampoo and tampons, as well as shoes and pillows. Monetary donations will also be appreciated and accepted.
Donations are being accepted at the Midtown Treasures shop, located on 214 N. Main St. in Mitchell, Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
