Family loses home in Gold Bar fire

A-áGold Bar family of six has been displaced after losing their home in a fire last week.-á -á

Firefighters from Gold Bar, Sultan, Monroe and Index responded to the two-alarm fire that occurred at approximately 4 p.m. on June 18. The fire, which started in the kitchen, rapidly spread up through the cabinets, walls and into the attic.

No one was injured in the blaze, which was under control within 30 minutes of the fire department's arrival.

Caitlin Wright-Villasenor, mother of four, was in the process of deep-frying a snack for her kids when the fire occurred. The 12-year Gold Bar resident had filled a medium-sized saucepan with cooking oil and set it on the stove to warm, when she stepped away for just a few seconds to check on three of her children who were playing outside.

The next thing she knew, her 3-year-old son, who had been helping her in the kitchen, alerted her to the fire.-á

"I came in to see the oil in flames,GÇ¥ Wright-Villasenor said. "I have no idea how it happened, and I just don't understand right now. But we are all safe and alive, so that is the most important thing.GÇ¥

In her panic, Wright-Villasenor attempted to use flour to douse the flames, which is combustible and can actually make fires much worse. According to District No. 5 Chief Merlin Halverson, things like water or flour should never be used when attempting to put out grease fires, only baking soda, smothering or fire extinguishers should be used.

Wright-Villasenor and her husband were able to receive emergency assistance from the Red Cross, including a small amount of funding and three nights in a hotel. Unfortunately, the couple, who was in the process of purchasing their home directly from the property owner, did not have insurance. The home is almost a complete loss, and most of their personal belongings have been destroyed.-á -á

Wright-Villasenor's friend Amara Mahmood created a GoFundMe page to support her friend. Mahmood, who lives in New York, created the crowdfunding web page as a way to support her friend from across the country. Together, the two operate a Facebook page called Crazy Couponing, a family-friendly page dedicated to helping people save money through the use of coupons.

"As a stay-at-home mom myself, I am amazed at what Caitlin is capable of. She basically ran the page for me for the last year while I finished my degree,GÇ¥ Mahmood said. "She does this with no pay. That's how much she loves helping people.GÇ¥

Mahmood explained that she and Wright-Villasenor have cultivated a friendship, despite the fact that they've never met in person, and Wright-Villasenor has contributed greatly to Mahmood's endeavors with Crazy Couponing.-á -á

"If you ask any of our fans, they will tell you they love the deals and contests and recipes she posts,GÇ¥ Mahmood said. "I really believe Caitlin deserves to get as much help as people will give her. She is a selfless, kind and generous person who never thinks twice about helping others.GÇ¥

Through the fundraising site, Wright-Villasenor is hopeful that they can raise enough money to purchase a small mobile home that can be situated on the 1-acre lot. Funds are also needed to pay to tear-down costs associated with clearing away the damaged home and to acquire permits for the new temporary lodging.

The Villasenor family has lived on the property for six years and is engaged in a 15-year lease-to-own contract with the property owner. Wright-Villasenor's mother lives on the property in a separate residence with her four children, none of whom were injured in the fire.

To contribute to the Villasenor fundraising site, visit www.gofundme.com/xee598.