Family sifts through remains of Desert Hot Springs home

Black smoke was seen across the Coachella Valley Friday, coming from Shelia Hardie’s home in Desert Hot Springs.

The flames started just after 5 p.m. on Whitney Court., west of Mountain View Road.

“I was sleeping and I was woken by my son. He said there’s a fire in the garage,” said Hardie. “By the time I got the hose, the entire garage was just engulfed in flames.”

Hardie, her 16-year-old son Kyle Hardie and their three dogs got out safely and watched their home get ripped apart by flames, soaked and destroyed.

“Today’s the day of tears. It’s real now,” said Shelia Hardie Saturday morning.

Shelia and her husband Bill Hardie’s friends and church family from Sword of the Lord Ministries Community Church turned out to help. Some people pulled Kyle’s clothes from the melted washer and dryer and others tried to save what valuables and furniture were left.

“All of clothes are done. All our new furniture we got, more than likely it’s going to be throw away stuff,” said Bill Hardie.

The family will need everything including clothing, food, dog food, furniture, school supplies for Kyle, a Palm Springs High School student, and a place to live.

“The main concern is items for my son, the back to school things so he can focus on his studies,” said Shelia Hardie.

“There are shirts, sweatshirts, underwear and socks.”

Shelia said it’s going to be an emotional flight ahead for her family. They’re overwhelmed, but not defeated.

“Everything can be replaced. I have my life, my son’s life, my husband’s life and my dogs, but still, a lot of the sentimental things,” she said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. The family is staying at local hotel for now.

If you’d like to donate to the Hardie family, items can be taken to Sword of the Lord Ministries Community Church at 72055 Corporate Way, Thousand Palms.

Contact Sword of the Lord Ministries at 760-343-3050.