A horrible situation in the Bellevue community in Haughton, as Thomas and Chaquita Burge's home went up in flames.

The couple has lost everything except the clothes they were wearing and the vehicle they drove to church Sunday.

Amber Freeman, a nurse in Natchitoches, tells KEEL News the two were like another set of parents to her, but she calls them "uncle" and "aunt." She said this is a devastating time for the whole area.

"In the little community of Bellevue, we all came together when I was growing up and we all built that house, along with a few others around, including the one my parents built," Freeman said. "So as a community, it was very hard to see all that happening."

The couple lost several dogs and two vehicles in the blaze. Through tears, Freeman said Chaquita is taking it very hard.

"My mother went to check on them yesterday and Aunt Chaquita is pretty bad. She lost her dogs, and of course, they've lost everything. Everything. Uncle Thomas is being strong for her, but I know he's having a rough time, as well. So we thank everybody."

Freeman and other family members have set up a Go Fund Me page to help out the Burges. At last check, fundraising was over $1,000. While the couple's homeowner's insurance will cover a lot of what was destroyed, there were many items in the home that you just can't put a value on.

"Her daughter's wedding dress was there, all of her mother's china," Freeman said. "Just things that were irreplaceable."

Click HERE to help the Burges. The family's goal is to raise $2,000.

 

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