A Winona family continues to pick up the pieces following a fire that destroyed their home late last month.
Suzanne Downs and her family suffered substantial loss in the blaze and is seeking community support for a fresh start.
“We will be starting completely over,” she said earlier this week.
Two Winona Fire Department fire trucks were dispatched to the home at 3:41 p.m. on Jan. 21, and arrived at the home five minutes later. Firefighters efficiently managed the scene and had the fire extinguished by 5:22 p.m.
WFD Chief Brad Mooneyham reported that the fire originated in the northwest area of the house, evident from smoke emerging from the bedroom and roof. Extensive smoke damage was also observed throughout the house. While the cause of the fire remains unknown, Chief Mooneyham said that the case is no longer under investigation.
Downs said that her oldest daughter was in the home at the time of the fire.
“She was taking a nap and woke up to smoke and flames,” Downs explained.
Fortunately, there were no reported injuries. Downs’ daughter was able to escape the burning home with her dog and made her way to a neighbor’s house where she called 911 as well as her mother.
The Winona Times/The Conservative is assisting the Downs family by accepting donations on their behalf. Items needed for young Cooper, Emma, Gracee, and Suzanne range from clothing to household essentials. Donations can be dropped off at The Times/The Conservative office located at 401 Summit St., in Winona during business hours, Monday through Friday
8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Donations needed for Cooper include, 3/4T Pull-Ups; gentle wipes; gentle children’s body wash, shampoo and conditioner; bath mat; hooded towel; 3/4T training underwear; 4-5T long sleeve pajamas and shirts; 4-5T pants; 5T jackets; hat and gloves; 9-10C shoes; Free and Clear detergent; blanket and pillows; cups; plates; utensils; thermometer; changing pad; changing table; changing pad sheets; Diaper Genie and bags; queen waterproof bed liner; humidifier; nightlight; toy box; toddler table and chairs; bookshelf, and box fan.
Donations needed for Emma and Gracee include, XS/S shirts and pants; 00/0-2 jeans; medium sweatshirts and jackets; 6/6.5 shoes; blanket; queen bedding; queen waterproof bed liner; twin bedding; pillows; shoe rack; clothes rack; Free and Clear laundry detergent; Free and Clear dryer sheets, and clothes baskets.
Donations needed for Suzanne include, M/L shirts, pants and jackets; 8/10 jeans; 6/6.5 shoes; stain and odor detergent; dryer sheets; clothes baskets; hangers; clothes rack, and shoe rack.
Downs and her family express gratitude for the outpouring of support. The Times/Conservative is actively collaborating with Suzanne and her family. Updates on their needs, including furniture and appliances once they secure a new home will be provided to keep the community informed and involved in their journey.
