Clackamas family clings to hope after devastating fire wipes out home

PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) — A family in Clackamas is clinging to hope after a devastating fire wiped out their home earlier this week.

Nicole Blue, a single mom with multiple sclerosis, said simply having her own place was a major win.

But that all changed on Monday night when a stove fire happened near Southeast Sunnyside Road and Southeast 139th Avenue.

The flames claimed Blue’s two cats, caused $150,000 worth of damage and left a pile of ashes containing years of family milestones.

“There were flames in my kitchen, just like booming flames,” Blue said. “The fire was so big I’m like…get your daughter, go.”

Her daughter, Leeana, turns 17 on Thursday. The fire happened a day after her birthday party. She’s now lost almost all her gifts and cheer equipment, including her uniform and pom poms.

However, the community has rallied to support the family after the fire by gifting Leeana a new set of pom poms, among other kind gestures. That’s been a glimmer of hope as Blue navigates her next steps.

For now, she and her daughter are staying with family, using donated items like beds and blankets to get by.

“I’m going to try and maintain as much of a normal life,” Blue said.

Even as she is trying to get back on her feet, Blue looks for ways to give back to others who are struggling. She salvaged a coin purse from the fire and plans to use whatever money she can find to lend a hand to others when she returns to manage after-school programs next week.

“To get all of this love and all of this support, I don’t know what to do with it,” Blue said. “And I keep saying, is there anything else I can say besides thank you?”

Blue still has a long road ahead dealing with recovering from the fire and replacing essential items. To help with all of this, her sister has created a GoFundMe fundraiser .

The fire was deemed an accident by investigators. Blue said the stove was off. However, she said M.S. can cause memory loss.

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