JANESVILLE, Wis. (WMTV) – A family in Janesville is trying to remain positive after a Monday morning fire engulfed their home, destroying their belongings and taking the lives of their three pets.
After over two decades of living in their dream home, rubble is now all that is left of the Jones-Sato family’s residence.
“Well, right now we’re just awaiting a structural engineer and contractor to see what the status of our house is,” Jim Jones said. “So then they’re going to find out if it could be restored or if it has to be the last chapter in this house’s life and then start a new one with a new house. So we’re not sure yet.”
All five members of the family were off to school on Monday morning, the kids to learn, the parents to teach.
“Eleanor and I took the dog for a walk and then came home and got ready for school, as we did, and I left. And then we took turns leaving and, you know, like, business as usual.”
At work, Jones received several calls from an unknown number, which he declined until he received a voicemail.
“But then I looked, and I just pulled up the message I saw in the voicemail, and it said my house was on fire.”
The home was completely engulfed. The family’s puppy and two cats were unable to make it out.
Jones says following the tragedy, they are grateful for the tight-knit Janesville community who are helping them through this difficult time. From offering them a place to stay, to furniture, to clothes, he says they are overwhelmed with gratitude.
“Our neighbors are like family. So, they immediately put us up,” he said. “They just put the word out and ask and will help you. And I’m just amazed because I’ve lived in other communities before. Growing up and have never known so many people or people just to help.”
He says the support is what is keeping the family in good spirits. He urges others to also look out for each other.
“So, if you see somebody help them out, you don’t have to know them. You don’t have to know them, but then they’ll feel known.”
You can support the family by contributing to their GoFundMe.
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