McLoud: Despite house fire, family makes most of holidays

Dec. 19--After losing their home to a house fire last month, a McLoud family is spending the holidays staying in a hotel.

On Nov. 29 the Singleteary family's home burned from an apparent electrical fire, but despite this hardship, wife and mother Melissa is grateful her family is safe.

When Melissa returned home from Sonic that morning, she was surprised to see clouds of smoke coming from the attic vents and a man frantically banging on her door.

"I guess he was trying to make sure no one was inside which I thought was really cool of him," Melissa said.

While no one was injured, the family lost most their belongings.

"The firefighters got there and at first I thought they were going to put it out but (the house) went up in flames," Melissa said.

Just days before Christmas, Melissa and her husband, Brandon, and their eight year old daughter, Kaylee, are staying in a hotel in Shawnee.

"We're trying to make it as normal as possible for (Kaylee). I've had to get creative moving the Elf on the Shelf around our tiny hotel room," Melissa said.

Friends and members of the McLoud community have provided some relief for the family.

"All of our friends have been awesome...First Baptist Church has been helpful and McLoud Elementary has too. The principal, (Stacy Williams), went to Family Dollar and got us all clothes...," Melissa said.

A few weeks before the fire, Brandon started a new job and his company has been extremely understanding, she added.

In addition to losing most of their belongings, Melissa explained there have been intruders rummaging through what remains of the family's home.

"I can't believe this is happening. There's nothing left and they're taking the few things that are," Melissa said.

The insurance company is investigating the initial cause of the fire, she said, adding they know it originated in the attic near the hot water heater and dryer.

In January, the family will move into a temporary house, but they will spend the holidays in their hotel.

"I'm sure we'll go to my mother-in-law's and be with family, but we're going to have our own little Christmas in our hotel room around our 24-inch tree," Melissa said.

Anyone wanting to offer help or donations to the Singleteary family can email them at [email protected].

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