NEWARK, Ohio (WCMH) — Natalie Hosom’s home was one of two houses on Parker Avenue that were destroyed in a massive fire Saturday evening.
“The blessing is that my family is safe and Brittany’s family is safe. That’s the main thing,” Hosom said.
“I need to be supportive for my children and just wait to see what’s going to happen. I just look forward to rebuilding and making more memories.”
The homes were built by Habitat for Humanity volunteers. A third house was damaged by the flames.
The Newark Fire Department said crews were called to the 30 block of Parker Avenue in Newark just after 10:00 p.m. Saturday. Five surrounding fire departments assisted, and a total of 20 fire companies were on scene.
No injuries were reported, but two families were displaced.
“We are going to rebuild,” said EJ Thomas, CEO of Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio. “Out of the ashes, we are going to rebuild these houses.”
Investigators believe the fire started on a front porch, but say there is currently no evidence to suggest the fire was set intentionally. Investigators said it will take several days to determine the official cause, and the fire remains under investigation.
Habitat MidOhio released a statement on their website:
The Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio family is dealing with an unimaginable tragedy as two new homes on Parker Avenue in Newark, Ohio went up in flames Saturday night (January 30). Both partner families escaped without injury but the homes were both completely destroyed by the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Although we expect that insurance coverage will rebuild these homes, the Phoenix Fund is designed to help bridge the gap and provide resources for lodging, food and other necessities for the families during the “Phoenix” or rebuilding phase. Both of these new homes were dedicated within the last two weeks and the families were just beginning to make the houses homes for their families.
While the fires were devastating, our immediate attention continues to be the safety and welfare of the families affected. To that end, Habitat MidOhio is reaching out to our partners and the general community to join in compassion and partnership with the families with an emergency campaign to help rebuild the lives of two single mothers and their children. During this difficult transitional time, the families are in need of financial support to cover temporary lodging, food, and medicine, among many other necessities.
Habitat MidOhio is working with the Red Cross and other agencies to ensure the safety and care of both families during this difficult time. Donations are being accepted on the Habitat MidOhio website at http://www.habitatmidohio.org/PhoenixEmergencyFund/
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