Photo: A GoFundMe has been started to help the Donalda family that suffered a devastating house fire Apr. 7. Photo courtesy Heartland Fire Rescue

A central Alberta family is coping with the loss of much of their possessions after a devastating house fire in the Village of Donalda Apr. 7, but a GoFundMe has been started to help.

Ivan Dijkstra, Manager of Fire Services for the County of Stettler, provided the Rural Alberta Report with the following statement Apr. 8:

“Heartland Regional Fire responded to a report of a single-family residential home in the county near Donalda at about 8:20 in the morning. Upon arrival, fire crews found a fully involved home.

“Crews ensured everybody had exited the structure and proceeded with a defensive fire attack. Firefighters and equipment from Heartland Regional stations in Donalda, Stettler, and Big Valley responded to the incident and were able to contain the fire to the original structure.

“The cause of the incident was determined to be accidental in nature, with no further investigation required. The house and its contents, except for a couple of valuable items to the resident, were completely lost to the fire.

“All fire crews left the scene before 2 o’clock in the afternoon.”

The Village of Donalda confirmed the water system appears to have handled the emergency well. According to a statement posted on social media Apr. 8, “During the recent fire response, periods of low water pressure were recorded due to the high demand placed on the system.

“The village administration has since confirmed that the system remained in compliance throughout the event. Water pressure has returned to normal levels, and the standpipe is now operating and filling as expected.

“Water sampling has continued, with samples being collected from various points throughout the distribution system to ensure continued water quality and safety.”

A GoFundMe has been started for supporters to donate to help the family cope with this devastating loss. More information can be found online at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/gary-lost-everything-lets-help-him-start-again.