This house in Cochin was destroyed in last week's fire. (Submitted photos/Kristi Kelly)

By Angela Brown

Community Support

GoFundMe created to help Cochin couple who lost home in fire

Oct 25, 2021 | 5:49 PM

A Gofundme account has been set up to help a couple whose house was badly damaged in a fire in Cochin recently.

Marcel Caplette and and his wife Gloria lost their home located off Highway 4 on Oct. 20.

Their daughter Kristi Kelly who lives in Prince Albert is organizing the fundraiser on their behalf to help them rebuild. As of Oct. 25, a total of $2,955 has been raised. Kelly appreciates the support for the Caplettes from the community.

“It’s been phenomenal,” she said. “So many people have reached out with kind messages, well wishing for my parents. It’s really nice that people are coming together to support the people they care about.”

The Cochin Fire Department was on the scene of the house fire on Oct. 20, after receiving a call at about 11 a.m.

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There was no one inside the home at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported.

Cochin Fire Chief Dave Elder reports the fire department received mutual aid from the RM of Meota, as well the RM of North Battleford fire departments. The Saulteaux First Nation Fire Department also assisted in putting out the blaze.

The fire originated on the south side of the building.

“It started in the south wall, and it worked up into the attic, and burnt pretty much 99 per cent of the roof,” Elder said.

As it was an older-dated home, Elder said, it was built with wood shavings insulation, which unfortunately is quick to burn in a fire. While weather conditions were fair at first, a wind picked up in the afternoon adding to the challenge to extinguish the flames.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

While the Caplettes have insurance for the home, it will take some time before they are able get back on their feet. That’s why the Gofundme was set up.

They are currently staying with one of their family members, and plan to rent a mobile home shortly to live on the farm for awhile after that.

The Caplettes eventually hope to rebuild at the same location where their house was located.

Gloria Caplette said losing their home has been difficult to deal with.

Caplette, who is retired, has a part time home-based business making soap and candles she sells. Unfortunately, her products were burnt in the fire too.

She said she is touched by the community’s donations to help the family.

“People have been really good to us,” she said.

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Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow