By Chad Harris

Family of 13 devastated after fire levels home

Aug 4, 2016 | 2:49 PM

KAMLOOPS — A family of 13 is facing the unimaginable, after their family home burned to the ground over the weekend near 100 Mile House.

On Saturday, July 30, most of the Duits family was celebrating the 18th birthday of one of their daughters at Hat Creek Ranch, when they received news from the oldest brother, Tim, that something was wrong at the property.

By the time the family rushed back home, and despite efforts by the oldest brother, the home had burned to the ground, and it was a total loss.

Because of the remote location of the home, the family did not have insurance or fire protection.

Six of the 11 family members still lived on the property, along with the two parents, Alice and Berney. Unfortunately, two family dogs died in the fire.

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Katherine Clark, one of the five siblings that no longer lives at home, told CFJC Today it is devastating for the entire family. 

“We do need help, and it is hard to ask for that,” Clark said, adding “my brothers who are working today are in flip-flops, and all their clothes are gone.”

A Go Fund Me campaign has been launched to help the family.

Despite the loss, the family is committed to re-building.

“I think everyone is still in shock,” Clark said, adding, “We are just so thankful, and grateful. That is what is carrying us, just how generous everyone has been so far. It is extremely humbling.”