Community Rally for Fire Victims

Date: August 8, 2024

Location: Lake Havasu City

Havasu businesses, community rally for family who lost home to fire By LA’ERICA CONNER-SIMS Today’s News-Herald Aug 8, 2024 A Havasu family is moving forward from scratch after surviving a devastating house fire. Through community and business donations, the Gordons are picking up their life with local help. The family of four completely lost their home after a blaze began last Tuesday. A city release stated the fire was reported around 1:10 p.m. in the 4000 block of Blue Canyon Road. Husband and father, Justin Gordon, recalled having a normal day at home with his sons, Jaxson and Lincoln. A phone call from his wife, Ashley, alerted him to a possible emergency at their home. The father of two remembered running into the kitchen near their back patio. “I saw the back patio in flames. I didn’t realize how big it was at that point,” he described. “I just started screaming at the kids and got them out.” Thick, dark smoke eventually covered the family’s home, Gordon said. He ultimately crawled outside after failing to retrieve personal belongings. After hearing of the family’s dilemma, Havasu business owner Doug Hunter lent ongoing support. Online posts shared by Hunter received numerous replies from surrounding residents. Additional donations, gift cards, and resources were collected by Hunter and distributed to the Gordon family. “It’s unbelievable. I’ve never witnessed or experienced a community as tight-knit as it is out here,” Gordon said. “We literally had nothing when our house burned down to having so much pour in from the city and the county.” For the past week, the displaced family resided at a hotel. Community support on Thursday transitioned the family to a temporary housing solution. Realtor Sandra Faubion of Realty ONE Group Mountain Desert presented a fully furnished condo Thursday. Hunter explained that the residence comes free of charge for the next 60 days. “We’re just going to try to save up some cash and get into a house as fast as possible,” Gordon said. “Thank you to the community and everybody for reaching out the way that they have.” Gordon expressed gratitude for the responding firefighters, who acted in high temperatures. Gordon requested those wanting to help to contact him on Facebook, www.facebook.com/justin.gordon.3557.

Impact: The Gordon family received temporary housing, essential support, and community donations to help them rebuild after the devastating fire.