43
Fundraisers will benefit Vint family after losing home, pets in fire
By SAMANTHA PHILLIPS
HUBBARD
Katie Vint, 11, salvaged a burnt stuffed animal from where her family’s 434 Simler Ave. home caught fire early Thursday.
The house is wrapped in yellow tape, warning people not to go inside, but the father of the family, James, was permitted by the fire department to grab valuables Friday.
Although some members of the family were hospitalized for a night, they all made it out of the house. Their three dogs and one bird, however, did not.
Angie Vint said her sons proved to be heroes the night of the fire.
“My son James is a hero – he smelled the fire and woke everybody up,” she said. “And my son Justin is a hero, too. He was hospitalized for smoke inhalation because he tried to stay and save our pets.” James is 17 and Justin is 12.
Vint said it was about 2:30 a.m. when her family made it outside the house.
James sprained his ankle after jumping out a window to escape. Justin was pulled out of the front window by his father.
“We’re overwhelmed and devastated,” Angie said.
Christina Cozzo will collect clothing and monetary donations at the Hubbard VFW from 2 to 8 p.m. Monday for the family. A GoFundMe page titled “Vint Family Fire Relief Fund” has also been established for anyone wanting to donate.
The family is staying in a hotel and is receiving support from the Red Cross. Angie said the Red Cross provided them not only with food but also medication for her son and husband, since their medication was destroyed.
Angie said the family plans on rebuilding the house and moving back in once it’s safe and structurally sound, which may take some time as the fire gutted portions of the house, especially the second floor.
The Hubbard Eagle Joint Fire District is investigating the fire. A cause has not yet been determined.
The family owned a Shitzu, an English bulldog and a yellow lab, along with a macaw.
“That hurt. The house can be replaced, contents can be replaced, but you can’t replace life. That’s what’s really affecting me is my dogs,” James said.
Katie said Lucy, the English bulldog, was her dad’s best friend, and she liked to dance with Lily, their yellow lab. Angie said the yellow lab was originally bought for their son Justin, who has autism, and all three dogs liked to sleep in his bed.