Fire at apartment complex leaves 7 homeless
VANCOUVER, Wash. – A fire tore through a Vancouver apartment complex early Sunday morning, forcing seven people from their homes.
Witnesses said several residents jumped from their apartment to safety.
No one was seriously hurt, according to Vancouver Fire spokesman Kevin Murray. Two people suffered minor smoke inhalation.
Seven people lived at the four-unit complex on NE 48th Circle. The fire started at around 4:45 a.m.
A candle left unattended caused the fire, Murray said.
The fire caused an estimated $280,000 in damage.
The Red Cross is helping the residents find a place to stay.
I am one of those who are now homeless due to the fire here. There was only one of us who actually had insurance. I cancelled mine because I could no longer afford it and because after 3 years of living here, nothing happened and I felt "safe". Â Little did I know about the lady who moved in. It was deemed an unattended candle. How can someone sue the candle manufacturer if they left it unattended? Â Most candles say "DO NOT LEAVE UNATTENDED". Â It is only logical not to leave an open flame unattended.Â
I am indeed homeless. It really sucks big time. I am so very thankful for even the 3 days in a hotel. Luckily my employer is helping me out with what they can. I have dealt with tough times before, however, I believe this is the toughest I have ever  been through thus far. The manager has also lost his things as he lived in this apartment as well.  Luckily he was not home at the time this happened but shortly arrived after being called and has worked with the tenants who have been displaced because of a careless person leaving a candle unattended,.Â
I'm guessing that the resident who had the unattended candle is going to file a lawsuit against the candle manufacturer for damages pertaining to manufacture of a candle which is flammable.
Ouch, I hope that these 7 can find homes soon. So 7 more added to the homeless list which means that the people that usually speak ill of homeless people have 7 more to speak ill of..I for one hope that they are able to get into a place.
Brandon, I heard about this fire but didn't know Jessie and your mom were one of the families affected by this tragedy until I saw you post here. I know your mom and I have not spoken in many many years but you and Jessie are very much loved by our whole family. I am so sorry that this has happened. I am really glad to hear everyone is safe and getting some help through this. I pray that they find a place and are able to pick up the pieces and make it through this quickly. You, Jessie and the kids are always in my thought. Love Aunt Kari!
 @Kari Erickson ya know they say "blood is thicker than water" and I don't care if you and Loretta havent spoken in years, she is still your sister and you have no business posting something like that...do you honestly think you can alienate them from their mother? what gives you the right to pretend she isn't your family? well her friends care about her and jessie and don't need your well wishes....she is better off without someone like you
 @Kari Erickson hey aunt kari, i hate to ask this but i have a question, anyway you can message me on facebook or text me so i can ask you? and thank you very much, i do miss you alot,.
 @Kari Erickson and my number is 503-933-8082, you could even call me restricted if you wanted.Â
 @Brandon Pesterfield  @Kari EricksonÂ
Send me a message on facebook. Hope all is well today.Â
ok my mom is one person who lived there, all red cross did was give them three days in a motel, they have three days to get everything out and get a new place, my mom is hurting financially, she could barly afford her apartment, now she is forced to move, with no where to go, no where to put her things or anything, and all my stuff she was holding for me and i have to somehow get everything, and have no way to, so in my mind the red cross should help these familys out a little more than just three days, my mom is getting old and going threw alot, now she has to be homeless now too. and also this apartment complex has 8 apartments, not 4.Â
 @Brandon PesterfieldÂ
What can we do to help your mom?
 @Reerae well my mom could use help finding a cheap apartment and proly help with move in costs and for people to prey for her, thats all i can really think of. i would have to ask her what more she would need. and i live in st helens and i also have stuff in her apt and a car in the driveway that i need to get out and have no way to right now and i only have two days left
 @Brandon Pesterfield  @Reerae Not sure who you are Reerae but they need a temporary place for their 3 cats, they cant have them where they are at now until they find a home
 @Brandon Pesterfield First of all, my condolences to your mother and the others who lived in the apartment complex. It must have been a terrifying and traumatic experience. I do hope that she and the others are able to rebuild their lives in the days and weeks to come.
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That being said, maybe you are unaware that the Red Cross is a private, charitable organization which depends upon donations from private citizens to help victims of disasters such as what struck your mother's apartment complex. Rather than complain about their provision of three days lodging at a motel, I think it would benefit you and your mother much more to be thankful for the generosity of the Red Cross and its volunteers. A thankful attitude will do much for renewing her spirit.
 @HenryBowman  @Brandon Pesterfield and also i guess the card that the red cross gave her for the motel is not working. thats what my mom said.
 @HenryBowman  @Brandon Pesterfield yes i am very thankful that they did that for her and my brother, or they would be on the streets tonight, i just wish it was longer or help them get into a place. but i do understand they can only do so much, im not complaining just venting. but thank you red cross and everyone who helped all the familys in the apartment fire, i really do appreciate giving my family and the others a place to stay for three days! Â
Another idiot with a candle. They should be held fully responsible for all damages and the costs associated with others losses and inconveniences for housing.
What a shame. Sure hope the tenants had insurance.