Fire destroys home but chores on farm continue

Alan Weir continues to look after his livestock after a fire destroyed his family's home Sunday in Profits Corner, between Elmsdale and Tignish, P.E.I.

The 53-year-old hauls many large bucketsof water twice a day in the back of his vanfrom a neighbour's house for two horses, four goats, three rabbits and five chickens with no electricity, there is no access to water on the smallproperty.

"Life goes on, you've still got to feed your animals and take care of them," Weir said. "It's our responsibility."

Weir and his wife DianneBirtmoved back to P.E.I. in March to retire, after decades living off-Island.

Neighbours pitch in

The family lost two dogs and two cats in the house fire as well as all their belongings. The pets are by far the biggest loss for the couple, Weir said.

"It hurts. It's like the loss of a member of your family," Weir said.

One pet, a beagle named Jake, survived.

The fire started when Weir and his wife were outside Sunday morning doing barn chores. When they went to go inside the house for lunch, black smoke rolled out of the door.

"I ran and I got a fire extinguisher and tried toput some of the fire out and I was yelling for the other dogs, and I couldn't find them.It was too thick and too hot to stay in there, so we had to get out," Weir said.

They flagged down a passing vehicle and the driver called 911. Three fire departments responded.

'Lost everything'

Neighbours are collecting clothing and friends have given them use of a house. Some filled up their van with gas and gave them cash.

The Red Cross has given them some vouchers for food and clothing.

"The community's been overwhelming," Weir said, choking back tears. "Everybody's been incredibly generous.

"I'd probably have to have a big box of Kleenex if I keep ontalking about it."

The P.E.I. fire marshal told CBC News Tuesday the cause of the fire remains undetermined due to the extent of damage in the house.

"I lost everything," Weir said.

The family had insurance, Weir said, and they hopeto build a smaller house on the property or buy a mini home, Weir said.

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