A massive house fire engulfed 801 Geikie St. Feb. 3, sending thick smoke billowing into the air and knocking out power and Internet to the surrounding neighbourhood.
The fire started in the garage and quickly moved to the main house, where long-time Jasperites “Grandpa” Dong Han and “Grandma” Doris Han have lived for years.
In an interview Feb. 4, Deputy Fire Chief Don Smith said one person was home when the fire started, but he had safely exited by the time the fire moved to the main house.
No one was injured in the fire.
The town alarm rang out at approximately 4:15 p.m. and within minutes emergency crews were at the corner of Geikie Street and Spruce Avenue battling the blaze.
Smith said it took until approximately 11 p.m. for fire crews to feel comfortable leaving the scene—although the RCMP did stay to keep an eye on it for most of the night.
Power returned to the neighborhood at approximately 6 p.m., but on the morning of Feb. 4 some people remained without Internet.
Smith said it’s still too early to pinpoint the cause of the fire, but that crews are already working to figure that out.
The Hans are currently staying with family members who live in Jasper, but neither they, nor the tenant who shares their home, could be reached for comment.
St. Mary and St. George Anglican Parish has set up a table at Super A Foods to collect donations for the Hans, and the Fitzhugh has opened a trust fund at ATB Financial. To make a financial donation, visit the bank and inform the teller it’s for Grandpa and Grandma.
UPDATE: A fundraising campaign has also been set up on Go Fund Me for Eric Clancy, the tenant who lived in the basement. To provide a donation, visit his fundraising page "A little love for Clancy Pants."
Check back with the Fitzhugh for updates as more information comes to light.
Trevor Nichols
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