A severe structure fire Friday night in Columbia took the home of Helen Martin, who had lived in the W. Dale Street house for more than 50 years. With most of the family’s possessions lost in the blaze, donations are being accepted to assist in the recovery.
Martin, who lives with her son, Ricky Holloway, said Monday afternoon that she has no idea what caused the fire. She was out of the house Friday night when she got the call that her childhood home was ablaze.
“It tore me up. I’ve been here ever since I was 14,” she said. “It upset me so much.”
The fire is believed to have started in the back carport area, which extended into the home. While the front of the structure appears intact, there is severe fire and smoke damage inside that is expected to make it a complete loss.
Columbia Fire Chief Lyle Berard said on Tuesday that the fire marshal was expected to inspect the home on Wednesday, but there is no indication of what started the blaze.
On top of the fire, Martin, who already had major health concerns, suffered a couple of falls over the weekend that required medical attention.
The family is in need of several items lost in the fire, including clothing, heaters, an air mattress, bedding and more. Female clothing needed are size 3X, and male large shirts and pants sized 36x34. Donations can be dropped off at 397 Pope Rd. in Columbia.
