Pocahontas Couple Lose Dream Home In December 28th Fire

Huntersville, WV – David and Carrie Parker were high school sweethearts, who loved hiking and camping in a beautiful peaceful spot, far off the road near Huntersville. Carrie Parker says the couple dreamed of living at their favorite hideaway.

“David and I used to actually pop a tent up in that area, when we were 15 and 16 years old and said we were going to build here, and that’s exactly what we done” she said. “We used to take a tent and camp out and that’s where we ended up putting our house. “

The Parkers got married and built their dream home at the serene site, just like they had dreamed. They raised two baby girls, now five and 12. But on the night of December 28, misfortune arrived. A fire smoldered inside the couple’s home – fortunately while the family was away. When David opened the door after the family arrived home, the house burst into flames.

Parker describes the eventful night.

“We got home and when we pulled up, David could see the eaves was smoking,” she said. “Smoke was coming out. So, he parked the car a little ways from the house. He told me to sit in the car and he went and opened up the sliding glass doors and ‘woof” – it just went. He said he could smell stinky steam.”

Marlinton and Frost firefighters arrived quickly.

“They were really quick, they said” she said. “It felt like an eternity to me, of course, but they were there and they finally got there quickly.”

Unfortunately, the fire had already ravaged the entire structure, along with all of the family’s belongings – including the children’s newly-opened Christmas presents. Parker says nothing was saved.

“We lost everything,” she said. “Our kids, of course, lost all their stuff. It was right after Christmas, so our kids lost all their toys and books and things.”

The couple is staying with David’s parents, who live near Huntersville. The mom says she is thankful for her loving in-laws and help from the local community.

“The community has really come together and is really helping us a lot,” she said. “So, I appreciate everything that they’re doing.”

The couple just found an apartment in Marlinton, where they will stay until at least the spring, when they can start rebuilding their house. In the meantime, the family, who lost everything just a week ago, has needs that members of the community might be able to assist with.

“Right now, we’re looking, actually, for a refrigerator,” she said. “We don’t have a refrigerator in the apartment and my girls would really love books.”

The Parkers needs girls size five and 14 clothes, size 11 and 81/2 shoes, food items, pots and pans, silverware and blankets. Donations can be dropped off at Vicky Parker’s residence on Route 39, five miles east of Marlinton. Call 304-799-4020 for more information.