Discussions

While just walking the dogs along Braecrest I could see large amount of smoke from what looked like to be in the south west corner of Brandon. Fire trucks were on there way and when they stopped they seemed to be staying a couple blocks away from where the smoke was coming from, again I am observing this from Braecrest Drive so that may not be an accurate account of what is happening. Definitely a lot of heavy smoke and the fire dept is there with a number of lights flashing.

is on Westaway Bay. It is out now for the most part. Thankfully none of the children were at home. One person was taken to hospital so far.  
Hopefully everyone is okay.  
It is so sad to watch someone's home go up in flames.  
My prayers are with the family.

What types of stuff does the family need donation wise? I have clothes I could donate if anyone knows sizes of men's/women's/kids that is needed?

people can call 7259499 for an address to drop off donations for the family there are children involved all girls 5,4 and 7 mos old

From the Brandon Suns website.  
 
http://www.brandonsun.com/breaking-news/BPS-investigating-Saturday-morning-duplex-fire-339120812.html?thx=y

NL0000 said "people can call 7259499 for an address to drop off donations for the family there are children involved all girls 5,4 and 7 mos old "

I thought there was a boy living there as well?  

I feel terrible for the family. What a crappy Halloween for the kids Just wondering if someone could clear something up for me...it says 10 people lived in the 1 side of the duplex...seems like a large amount of people ....how big is the duplex?

Doesn't say the 10 ppl lived there, just that 10 ppl were in the other side of the duplex  

Before everyone goes crazy, I think it would be prudent to remember that this is what insurance is for. All insurance packages have a lump sum of money to get the family through the next days/week and provide for things such as housing, clothing and food while the process of receiving the full amount is ongoing.

Seriously? Insurance? This is low income housing......

they can also contact red cross, there is sometimes immediate help if they need plus things like tooth brushes ect, enough to get them set up and covered until they figure stuff out

SZ said "Doesn't say the 10 ppl lived there, just that 10 ppl were in the other side of the duplex   "

there weren't 10 people living in that duplex, that would be quite crowded.  
 

Soul said "Seriously? Insurance? This is low income housing...... "

Even in low income housing you can still carry renters insurance.

Big Mamma said "    Soul said "Seriously? Insurance? This is low income housing...... " Even in low income housing you can still carry renters insurance. "

Can carry and afford to carry are two different things.  
 
I would hazard that it's pretty rare that someone who lives in public housing would have insurance.

They are living in public housing doesn't mean they are destitute. Their rent is based on income so that they can afford other things. $25 will get you about $30 000 in coverage I think. Better than nothing. These are the people that need it the most since they have no other resources. Some people living in Manitoba housing drive nicer and newer vehicles than I drive. Sometimes you have to choose priorities. I know though, that it's hard to justify paying for something that isn't tangible, but becomes very tangible when disaster strikes.

Brenda said " What the hell is everyone speculating about if they had insurance or not! Would you all be talking about insurance if this was in Brookwood area?     These people have just had a traumatic event happen to them. Have a little compassion and respect. "

Whether they had insurance or not is a relevant question. Nobody died and so what remains is to make sure they have the necessities of life. Everyone is so quick to assume that they should just start dropping this off. If they had insurance, not only would this be unnecessary and take items away from people that need them more, it could also be unwelcome. If my place burned down, the last thing I would want is a bunch of people dropping things off for me when I don't need/want them.

Brenda said " What the hell is everyone speculating about if they had insurance or not! Would you all be talking about insurance if this was in Brookwood area?     These people have just had a traumatic event happen to them. Have a little compassion and respect. "

You're right we wouldn't be talking insurance if this was in Brookwood because those houses likely all have mortgages, ergo they have insurance as required as a condition of their mortgage.  
 
Only 1/3 of renters overall have tenant insurance, and assuming that people in social housing procure insurance at the same rate as all renters (they don't, but let's pretend for a minute), that means 2/3 *won't* have insurance.  
 
I don't think anyone is being uncompassionate or disrespectful. There was a question about insurance, and the reality is that these people likely do NOT have insurance, therefore they are in need of our support.

i know this will be taken the wrong way and i am compassionate but for the question of insurance they either have it and will get help in a few days (depending on the company and coverage)or they dont but choose not to or didnt have anything worth it to insure  
 
 
it has nothing to do with where they live as i have thought this every time a fire happens  
 
low income people maybe want the donations more but most of what people are donating isnt something great, its usually left over crap they cant sell at a garage sale and if they had stuff they will miss and wont get back in donations then it was their choice to take that risk  
 
higher income people likely have mortgages with forced insurance but some are quite high deductibles so they do stand to lose more cash wise but its still their choice of what to insure and what risk to take  
 
either way past the basics for a few days they should be good but no harm in donating left overs

Awful to read this and of the injuries to the two men inside. This hits a little closer to home as I actually spent a handful of my growing up years living on Westaway Bay and as much as I'm sure some has changed I know much about the area first hand. Please don't make broad assumptions about folks that live in the area. Wide variety of living situations and financial situations that dont necessarily fit any particular mould except for being in a position of need for this housing at this point in their lives.  
 
Regarding insurance, I don't think anyone should have to feel bad about tastefully and as respectfully as possible asking the question. We have seen fires in the past where help has been respectfully declined because insurance was in place, we have seen tragedies where there was no insurance at all and victims have lost and need everything. To some knowing insurance status can speak to the level of help that is needed. At the same time the question has been asked. There is no right to an answer and may not be one. Folks reading this thread as adults are capable of reading and making their own decisions based on information that is available.  
 
Regarding amount of people, I believe some units that have finished basements can have as many as 5 bedrooms. Double that in a duplex and you could potentially have 10 bedrooms under one roof... Some presumably with more than one person in them.  
 
Sincerest thoughts are with everyone effected as they come to grips with everything that has happened and get the help that's needed. If there are updates on how everyone is doing that they are comfortable sharing please dont hesitate to post.  
 
Edited by Adam, 2015-10-31 21:28:22

Good post Adam

On one of the swap and shop sites it says that their is no insurance and they lost everything and are accepting donations. After seeing what they went through I personally will be looking into renters insurance for my home. I have also gathered a bag of my daughters clothes that may fit one the children who lived in the home. I am hoping we can all come together to help this family in need.

sure how bad the people are injured but its always sad to read, i hope them a speedy recovery both from injuries and the relocation and other issues these things come with

For those of you who don't know these are affordable housing units for folks that need the break in housing costs so they can survive, Insurance believe it or not is a luxury not afforded by everyone. The cost of insurance sometimes means something else has to be sacrificed such as food ,clothes. I think considering all that has happened maybe we should be thankful as it could always be worse. Not everyone can afford insurance.

For anyone who is renting please look into tenant insurance! When I was renting it was super cheap.  
It's better to spend the money on insurance and be able to replace your things with new and nice stuff rather than rely on strangers hand-me-downs.  
I think the reason many renters don't have it is because they've honestly never looked into getting it. They just assume they can't afford it.

it comes down to what's cheaper, insurance or repurchasing everything you own out of your pocket.

I rent, and have renters insurance. I have like 1 hundred thousand coverage, for 23$ a month. Even when i lived in MB Housing i had renters insurance...trust me, if you are renting, look into insurance.  
 
I feel for both the families in this situation. Sucks to lose everything you have. Hopefully they can find the necessities they need.

Any word on how the burn victim is doing ? Thoughts are with all involved !

Lives behind this house and was one of the first on scene. She says he didn't survive, but that would be unconfirmed.

I am pasting below the Brandon Police release issued today. Tragically the 20 year old victim has succumbed to their injuries. I would like to express my sincerest condolences to family and friends of Elmer Easter.  
 
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RESIDENTIAL HOUSE FIRE VICTIM DECEASED.  
 
As previously released, Police and BFES attended a structure fire at a residence on Westaway Bay early Saturday morning (October 31st, 2015). Two men were rescued from the home by Firefighters. One of the men, 20 year old Elmer EASTER, was transported to The Winnipeg Health Science Center, via STARS air ambulance with severe injuries. Tragically, Elmer EASTER died from his injuries on Sunday November 1st, 2015. The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing and Police along with the Office of the Fire Commission continue to investigate.  
 
http://police.brandon.ca/all-reports/3478-deceased-oct-31st-fire-vic  
 
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