When Michelle Hardymon and her family arrived home late Friday evening, they knew immediately something was wrong.
“We walked in the house and it was filled with smoke. We got everyone out and called 911,” said Hardymon as she watched firefighters from at least five different townships battle the blaze that seemed to be burning in the roof of the two-story home on Denzer Road, southwest of Bucyrus.
The family’s cats and five dogs were also able to escape the blaze that has destroyed the family’s home.
Hardymon said the cause of the fire has not been determined.
“They are thinking it was electrical but the official cause has not been decided yet,” Hardymon said on Monday.
Hardymon lived in the home with her husband, Dan, three of her children and an infant granddaughter.
“There are six of us so we are staying at different places right now which is really hard,” said Hardymon.
Hardymon said she is waiting on her insurance adjuster to tell her how to proceed with the house that she and her husband had been renovating during the nine years they lived there.
“We don’t know yet if we can renovate from the fire or tear down and have to start over,” said Hardymon with sadness in her voice.
Hardymon said her insurance adjuster told her it could be up to four months before the process is completed for the house.
“Right now, we are searching for a four bedroom house to rent so we can get our family under one roof again. It would be wonderful if we could find a place in Wynford District so my daughter can catch the bus to school but I can drive her. We just need a place to live as soon as possible,” said Hardymon.
Hardymon said she was able to salvage some clothing items.
“My husband and I kept our clothes downstairs but the kids lost everything,” Hardymon said.
A Gofundme.com account was set up by Hardymon’s adult daughter, Erica Slavely, to help the family get back on their feet.
Hardymon said the Crawford County American Red Cross has helped her family tremendously.
“They set us up in a hotel and paid for the first few days. They have given us vouchers for clothing. Everyone in the community has been so amazing with donations for us. I can’t tell you how much it all means to us. We are very appreciative,” Hardymon said.
Hardymon posted this message on her Facebook page on Tuesday:
“I want to take a moment to say thank you to everyone who has been praying for my family, all the offers of help, and those who have been donating needed items. It’s hard to express how much this means to us at this devastating time in our lives. A heartfelt thank you to all of you.”
To donate clothing or household items, call Hardymon at 419-722-9776 or visit https://www.gofundme.com/hardymonfamilyfire.
