Chuvis Pyett can’t even remember the face of the man who knocked at his door.
The man, who was driving by Pyett’s home on 17th Street early Tuesday morning, saw flames shoot out of his carport. He immediately turned around, got out of his car and started banging on Pyett’s front door, yelling at him to get out of the house.
“I looked towards the carport, and saw light from flames on a nearby pillar. I ran into my son’s room and stood in the door frame and in a firm voice told him we have to go now.”
Around 3:45 a.m. Tuesday, Pyett, along with his son, roommate and dog, escaped from the fire, which destroyed their rental home on the corner of 17th Street and Fitzgerald Avenue.
While RCMP noted the investigation is in the early stages, Pyett - who did not have tenant insurance - lost everything in the fire, including clothes, furniture and day-to-day supplies.
Family friend Vicki Wilford, who set up a GoFundMe page for the family, said until the investigation is complete, the family - along with Pyett’s roommate - cannot enter the home to assess the damage.
“The fire devastated the home of my friend and his son. They are without clothes, food and housing … with such a small vacancy rate, my friend’s health concerns prevent him from working, and lack of affordable housing he is concerned about accommodations and expenses.
“They were left on the road with the clothes on their back. Right now, they’re in need of basic everyday (things) … socks, deodorant, hygiene products, basic clothing necessities (and) food.”
Willard added donations of clothes in a size five for Pyett’s son would be appreciated, along with shoes in a size 12-13; medium sized women’s clothes along with ‘tall’ men’s clothes are being collected as well. Donations of cash are being accepted through the page, while other donations are being organized through Courtenay Elementary School.
There is an immediate need of basic necessities, and a longer-term need of furniture and other supplies. Contact Courtenay Elementary at 250-338-5396 prior to dropping off a donation.
The link to the GoFundMe page is https://www.gofundme.com/4f6jo40