Neighbor helps family who lost their home in a fire

Continuing coverage on a Thermal family who lost their home to a fire on Tuesday.

“The house was completely engulfed in flames in about 15 minutes,” said Billy Franco, a resident of the home. The Franco/Serrano family lived in this house for more than 50 years. “I just happened, for what ever reason, to look at my brother’s room and I see a light coming from the bottom of the door, so I open the door and the bottom of the bed is on fire and my mom was in the next room over, still asleep, so I immediately called her, told her to get up, and told her the house is on fire,” said Franco. Just days before loosing their home, Franco’s car was stolen and his father died from a heart attack. “All week we’ve just been kind of crying and just trying to be there for each other. We’ve had family come over all week, comforting us, bringing us clothes, we lost everything,” said Franco. Missy Miller, a neighbor, is urging the community to donate to the family’s You Caring page. The Franco/Serrano family’s goal is to raise at least $8,000. “This season is not about receiving, it’s about giving and shining the spotlight on this family who really needs our help. You know, $8,000 is really not a lot, especially with how many people live here in the Valley. Five dollars, 10 dollars, share,” said Miller.