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'We Can Start Over' Community Helps Fire Victims

Posted: 8:16 pm MST November 19, 2009Updated: 9:17 pm MST November 19, 2009

The flames are out and the smoke is clear.

"I was just looking to see what I could find,” said Joaquin Parra.

The day after a fire burned up his family’s mobile home and everything in it, the Parra family of five said they are still counting their blessings.

"We can start over,” said Parra after a fire destroyed the family home Wednesday night. “The main thing is nobody was hurt. Everybody's alive, so I'm thankful for that."

Dona Ana County fire investigators said they found electric heaters and extension cords in the home. Thursday, charred remains of jeans and shoes were found at the burned home, but amazingly the family was able to salvage something.

"This is my safe right here. There are still good things in there, nothing but important papers," Parra told KFOX.

After their story aired Thursday morning on The KFOX Morning News, the phones at KFOX as well as Parra’s was ringing off the hook with people wanting to help. Some callers offered furniture.

"For them to have lost everything, it just touched me and I remembered that we had some furniture that we were not using," said Bertha Garcia.

A client who owns property managed by Integrity Asset Management has offered a roof over their head.

"He would like to offer them a free apartment for six months to try to help them get back on their feet," said Melanie Bailey, vice president of Integrity Asset Management.

The Canutillo School District also came by to give the kids clothing and school supplies.

"Who would have thought that a stranger would help you out? And they do. So I'm real thankful for that and I thank God that there are nice people out there," said Parra.

The fire took away their home, but their spirit is not charred.

To help the Parra family you can call 915-471-8181.

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