SIX NATIONS — Two house fires broke out on Six Nations of the Grand River over the weekend, leaving two area families in need.
On Friday June 28 at around 4:30 p.m. Six Nations Police responded to a house fire on Cayuga Road.
Firefighters were on scene where the home belonging to Six Nation Elected Councillor Melba Thomas was already engulfed in flames.
Thomas was not at home at the time of the fire. Police say the Ontario Fire Marshall is continuing to investigate and that the fire is considered suspicious.
Damages are estimated to be $300,000.
A Six Nations mother and her six children are also in need following another house fire on Stoneridge Circle.
Joleen General’s home went up in flames in the early morning hours of July 1. General resides in the home with her 4 daughters, a 3 year old son and 1 year old granddaughter.
A gofundme page has been set up to help the family raise money for what lies ahead.
General is a well known caterer and baker — running her business out of the kitchen of her home. That kitchen is now unsafe — the gofundme describes the entire home as being severely damaged from smoke damage. The home was not insured.
Community members have also started various fundraising events to help both Thomas and General begin to recover from their losses.
