Is everyone okay?
Everyone made it out alive, including John, Kathy, and all dogs and cats.
What has been lost?
Essentially, everything that was in the house is considered lost. They left the house with the clothes they were wearing, grabbing a purse and their cell phones. The house was bulldozed for safety reasons, but the fire continued past noon. It's possible that something could be recovered at a later date, but it doesn't seem likely.
How did the fire start?
Evidently, in the fireplace. An evening fire was put out, but it was so windy that night, a spark could have blown anywhere.
What are they doing now?
Staying with friends, trying to rebuild from scratch. Eventually, they'll be able to move into another house of their own, but for the time being, they are being taken care of by their friends and family.
Can I donate household items?
Not yet. They don't have anywhere to put anything, so money is more useful.
