A Total Loss: Del Rio woman’s disabled parents lost everything in fire, including their 3 dogs

A couple lost all their belongings in a house fire on Monday morning. According to their daughter, Emilie Stanton, Steven and Katrina LaSalle were living in an efficiency apartment off Flat Creek Road near Sims Tractor in Sevier County.

Both her parents have sleep apnea and use CPAP machines. She explained her father woke up at about 5:15 a.m. on July 29 to find the house filled with smoke and the power off. He quickly woke his wife. He grabbed his walker and they left the home only with what they were wearing. They called their daughter, Emilie, who lives in Del Rio, in a panic, explaining what had happened. The apartment and all their belongings were a total loss.

“It is a miracle they got out,” Stanton said. “The fire department had to use equipment to take the roof off to control the fire.”

All three of the couples’ dogs, who they considered “their little children” according to Stanton, succumbed to smoke inhalation.

The Red Cross helped the couple with necessities, such as medication and some clothes. They are currently staying at the Best Western in Newport. The main goal is to get housing for the couple, who are disabled and depend on Social Security benefits as their source of income. They hope to live in Cocke County to be close to family.

A fundraiser has been set up at GiveSendGo (www.givesendgo.com/GCZ8F?utm_source=sharelink&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=GCZ8F) with a goal of $10,000. The funds will be used to rent an AirBnB in Cocke County temporarily then help them find an apartment here in the county.

Immediate needs include a one bedroom, one level apartment that will allow a small companion dog. They need all household items, such as a couch, king sized bed with mattress, dressers, kitchen and bathroom items.

“Any donations are appreciated,” Stanton said. “I don’t have anywhere to store items right now, so as soon as we find them a place to live, we will need household items to set up housekeeping.”

Best Kitchens of Dandridge has contributed to the couple by helping with clothing, Stanton added.

Stanton can be contacted at (865) 228-5521.