Valley family seeks assistance after structure fire

A weekend structure fire in the Meadow Lakes area left four adults and three children in need of shelter.

The Red Cross of the Mat-Su has provided lodging for the household through Wednesday at the Grand View Inn and Suites, according to a family member.

“The Red Cross was right there,” said Tonda Lundin. “They were wonderful.”

The blaze began when residents started a fire in the fireplace and noticed the house was filling with smoke.

Head of household Randy Keel climbed up on the roof and began dousing the flames with water until the West Lakes Fire Department arrived.

The fire damaged one wall of the trailer’s living room and a cross beam running through it. But smoke and water damaged most of the household’s clothing and furnishings.

Winter clothing especially is needed for two male and two female adults and three boys ages 12, 8 and 7. The family could also use building supplies and household items, Lundin said.

“It’s a hard time,” she said.

Lundin said she plans to help her brother set up an account today at Wells Fargo today to accept donations in Randy Keel’s name.