OAKHURST — On Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022, a structure fire was reported at the Creekside Apartments, located at 49484 Road 426, in Oakhurst.
As stated in a previous article, a family of four was displaced. There was much damage to their apartment and personal belongings. The family was being helped by the American Red Cross, who has provided them with enough assistance to get temporary accommodations for four nights.
Without insurance, it is now up to the family and our community to provide help for their many unmet needs.
Tragedy Strikes
On that Saturday, Alysse Salinas was away from her apartment when she received the news that there was a fire. Her husband Nolan, and 2 small children — aged 7 and 19 months old — had made it outside and were safe after Nolan discovered smoke and flames in their babies bedroom. Allyse’s three older children from a previous marriage were not home at the time. Once the fire was contained, the family realized that they had lost everything. Their furniture, including the children’s beds, clothing, and personal belongings, were all destroyed by the flames and smoke.
Photo Courtesy of Grahm Doe
Over the next few days, as Alysse and Nolan began to pick up the pieces of their lives, and friends and family stepped in to help. A plea was made on social media for clothing for everyone in the family and also diapers, wipes, shoes, personal care items, etc. Their next step was to find a new house and, unfortunately, they were unable to find anything in the Oakhurst area. Fortunately, they were able to find a place in Fresno. Now they need help coming up with the deposit and first months rent, as well as the many personal items they lost in the fire.
Alysse told me that “The community has been tremendously gracious and kind and I can’t express how thankful I am.” She also said “Our family is doing well considering this traumatic event. Our babies are adapting to the new place and we are trying to come down off the stress of moving and haven’t had time to process the fire. Hopefully, our future, whether temporarily or long term in Fresno, is bright.” She added that they plan on going to a church she used to attend there and her husband knows people that go there as well. They are looking forward to making new friendships while starting over.
How Can We Help?
A Go Fund Me has been established for the family, but so far has raised only a very small portion of their goal. They are also working on creating an Amazon Wish List where people would be able to purchase specific items to be sent directly to them. Any questions or further information needed can be directed to Tamera Conrad (the grandmother of Nolan) at tamera911@hotmail.com or through a private message on her Facebook page.
