By BECKY HARRIS
LOG CABIN STAFF WRITER
William is 2, and he was wanting a tow truck for Christmas. His sister, Makalya is 10, and she likes to draw.
They are the children who were scooped up out of their slumber on Wednesday night and rescued from their blazing home at 5 Fox Lane, off Skunk Hollow Road.
The children’s parents, Audra Smith and Marvin Naranjo, spent Thursday night in a motel but will likely be moving in with her mother, Diana Mendoza, at 9 Fox Lane, next door to the home that burned to the ground.
The barefoot family left with only the clothes on their backs.
Donations may be made to the Audra Smith Fire Fund at any First Security Bank location. Also needed are coats, warm clothing, blankets, toddler clothes and jeans.
According to Audra Smith’s sister, Nickie Hokams, her son Austen Hokams, was staying the night on Thursday and woke up hungry. When he went to the kitchen for a snack, he saw the fire. He got everybody up and ran next door to call the fire department.
Marvin Naranjo carried baby William through a fiery blanket to safety.
Some of the family’s dogs were saved, but one, a black shepherd, “like the dog in the movie Winn-Dixie,” and 15 puppies of different parentage died in the fire, Nickie Hokams said.
“People have been dropping off clothing and toys at mother’s house, 9 Fox Lane. They lost everything. The house belonged to our grandmother, and she said there is no insurance."
“It’s a very sad situation,” Hokams said.
William is small for his age, but he can wear a size 2; Makalya wears a size 14-16 in pants and a medium shirt.
Fire Chief Rodney Sanders of Highway 286 East Fire Department said the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Eleven volunteer firefighters from Highway 286 and Liberty fire departments worked the fire with three engines, a brush truck, a tanker and two rescue units. The response time was 11 minutes, Chief Sanders said.
Stromboli’s, 2665 Donaghey Ave., is accepting donations of clothing, food, Christmas gifts for the kids, and gift cards from 3-5 p.m. today and Sunday.
(Becky Harris can be reached at 505-1234 or by e-mail at becky.harris@thecabin.net)
Comments (3)
Add commentThere is now a fund for donations
If you would like to make a donation to Audras family here is how you can help
"Audra Smith Fire Fund" (must use this name exactly) At any First Security Bank in arkansas. Thank you to those who have helped and those who are willing to help. They are still in need.
Thank you for your support
SO many people are trying to help this family and they are very thankful for your help. Through tragedy you have helped thses kids have a good christmas. Still missing there home they smiled today.
Donations being collected
We are also collecting donations at Stromboli's again today, from 3-5pm. We're located at 2665 Donaghey at Washington/Old Morrilton Hwy (across from DQ). We'll be delivering the items today after 5pm (the family has already taken home the items donated on Friday). We've collected some food, clothing, a couple coats (no kid's coats yet), school supplies, toys, gift cards, cash donations, toiletries and other items. Gift cards to Kroger, Walmart, Target, Lowe's, etc. would also be helpful so they can replace what's needed when they get into another home.