A family of eight is without a home after an August 8 house fire, per the Brookings County Sheriffโs Office. The fire occurred at 315 Samara Avenue #15 at 2:38 p.m., according to Steve Jurrens at KXLG Radio. A 13-year-old girl was home at the time and alerted her father, Eddie Waldner, to the fire. When firefighters arrived, heavy smoke and flames were found in the northwest corner of the house.
The fire was contained, but it caused significant damage to the house. The family lost their pet cat in the fire, but no other injuries were reported. The fire seriously damaged four rooms in the house, while the rest of the residence suffered heavy smoke damage.
The family consisted of Eddie and Jeanne Walder and their six children, who all lived in the home. The cause of the fire is unknown, though the owner mentioned a battery was charging for a remote-controlled car in the room where the fire started. The total damage to the home is estimated to be $220,000. The Red Cross is currently assisting the family.
