26-03-2025
Paxton family devastated by townhouse fire asking for help
PAXTON, Ill. (WCIA) — Several families in Paxton are looking for help after losing everything in a fire over the weekend.
On Saturday, a fire started at one townhome and quickly spread to four others. Mike and Korey Swan said it's the day-to-day items that are the most important. They lost everything from key fobs to personal IDs.
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The Swans hope donations can help replace the material things, but sadly not everything can be replaced.
'It's probably the worst 20 minutes of our lives,' Korey said.
The Swans were getting ready to move out of their Paxton townhouse. Mike unplugged the fridge to defrost and clean it.
'About 5 minutes later, we both got up to do something in the house,' Korey said. 'And when I turned around, I saw black smoke coming in from the garage.'
Korey said they tried to put it out but couldn't. They were able to get themselves, their two dogs and a few personal items out.
'It was completely engulfed within five minutes, spread under the roof to the adjoining neighbors, all the way down to the end of the building,' Korey said.
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She also said everyone was able to get out of the building before it got too bad. The Ford County EMA and Red Cross have been helping people who were affected, and some Paxton businesses chipped in as well.
'The biggest thing that we had to secure that day was my husband's transplant medications,' Korey said. 'Luckily, the local pharmacy was able to get him a couple of days' worth of medications until we could get his medications from the University of Chicago.'
But Korey said some things are irreplaceable, especially the ones with sentimental value.
'My sister passed away from cancer, and everything is, it's gone,' Korey said.
The Swans have already started replacing driver licenses, car key fobs and more. Now they're asking for money to buy some of the essentials like toiletries and other household items.
'Just trying to reestablish our home,' Korey said. 'You know, everything from spatulas to silverware to clothing.'
The goal for their GoFundMe is set for $6,000. Korey said any money they have leftover will be given to one of her neighbors.
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