‘We are facing the overwhelming task of starting over’

“There were so (many) beautiful things I wished could’ve grabbed and save, but thankful we are safe. So heartbreaking to know it was all preventable.”

– Edzo fire victim Hovak Johnston

The people of Behchoko are coming together to help those left homeless after a major residential complex blaze in the Edzo neighbourhood this weekend.

All residents of the six-plex are safe, and the immediate priority is to support the displaced community members, including securing temporary housing and working toward longer-term housing solutions, stated the Tłı̨chǫ Investment Corporation.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of the six-plex residential building in Edzo following a fire on January 30,” the Corporation stated online. “The incident remains under investigation. Our thoughts are with those impacted.”

The fire started Friday and burned for hours as the community’s volunteer fire department attempted to extinguish it as helpless residents looked on.

One resident’s reflection the day after the blaze showed the emotional toll this type of disaster can take.

“No energy so weak now — mind is racing — why didn’t I grab this or that? I should’ve grab that,” Hovak Johnston posted on social media.

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“Why didn’t I accept help at the time? Too much overthinking. Gotta feel the feels and accept the things we cannot change. I just want you all to know we feel your outpouring of love.”

Johnston was also upset over the loss of his tools.

“I’ll never get those tools back, I watched late Elder Kate Inuktalik make these specially for me as a gift while in Ulukhaktok.”

Brian Johnston started a GoFundMe page for his parents, Hovak and Mike, to help with immediate needs such as housing, clothing, food, and other essentials.

“They are incredibly selfless people who have always given back to their community, and now they face the overwhelming task of starting over,” he stated on the page.

Juno Award-winning Inuk singer and songwriter Susan Aglukark posted to Facebook that her thoughts and prayers are with Hovak and Mike, “two of the kindest souls I’ve known need our help, please donate and/or spread the word and share this link.”

Meanwhile, a GoFundMe page set up by Colby Rabesca stated:

“Our hearts are broken as we share this. On January 30, our family lost our home in a sudden and devastating house fire. In such a short time, the place where we made memories, felt safe, and built our lives was gone

“Thankfully, everyone made it out safely, and we are incredibly grateful for that. But beyond our lives, we lost nearly everything else — our home, our belongings, keepsakes that can never be replaced, and the sense of normalcy we once had.

“Right now, we are facing the overwhelming task of starting over. We ask to help raise funds that will go toward rebuilding our home, replacing essential items, and securing temporary housing.

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“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support during one of the most difficult moments of our lives. We will never forget the love shown to our family during this time.

Brittany Hendrickson has organized an online 50/50 draw fundraiser, “for all the teachers and tenants that lost everything in a fire.”

She continued: “Let’s all come together and support each and every one of them. This is very devastating and heartbreaking. Let’s support our neighbours in our community of Edzo.”

She stated that funds raised will be split earnings with all six tenants.

The incident remains under investigation. No injuries were reported.

A CBC North story stated early reports point to a heater placed under the building that could have caused the fire.

The community firefighters and area contractors were praised for their efforts under challenging winter conditions.

The volunteer crews are trained in defensive firefighting, meaning they can’t enter burning buildings.

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