House Fire Relief Fund for Charlie and Susan

On July 13, 2023, my grandparents lost their home and all of their belongings but miraculously saved each other’s life. 5 local fire companies worked for 8 hours to extinguish the flames that only took 20 minutes to consume everything they built.

My grandma awoke to the sound of the fire alarm going off. The sound wouldn’t have woken my papa had he been there by himself because he has lost almost all of his hearing. Papa inspected the house and found that a fire had started in one of the upstairs bedrooms. The fire, which my grandmother wouldn’t have been able to see because she is in a wheelchair. They both made it out alive because they were lucky enough to have one another. My grandfather continued to run back and forth inside the house to grab whatever family photographs he could find until the last possible moment.

They built the house with their children back in the 90s. My older sister, the first grandchild is photographed hammering down the OG foundation with Papa. I was born just before they finished building the house. They put everything into that home with the hope that it would become their legacy. The love they extended to everyone who visited them in their isolated and serene town extended to at least four generations of an extensive family tree. My grandparents believe that the house that burnt down was their legacy. In reality, it was the memories that they helped foster when they welcomed so many people to their home.

This loss is devastating. While they fully intend on rebuilding, building a home takes time. Our family is working with insurance to get them back on their feet but it may take a while to sort out legality. This fund will help provide peace of mind in addition to replacing necessary items they lost in the fire including temporary housing, clothes, medication, and food. It will also help them look forward to the rebuild.

All surplus funds will be donated to the five local fire companies that fought all night to keep the fire from destroying more homes as well as the local Red Cross that supported my grandparents in the immediate moments after they lost everything.

If you donate and know my grandparents personally, please share one of your favorite memories of the two of them.

Chaumont Fire Department Dispatch Post

Disclaimer: Karen Guilds, one of four of Charlie and Susan’s children, is listed as the beneficiary. She is only collected funds on their behalf. ALL funds will go to my grandparents.