Vermilion Co. family loses home in fire after setting up nursery

VERMILION COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — A family in Vermilion County is asking for help after a disastrous fire cost them their home. The fire happened this past Saturday in Bismarck at the Mortimore house, and thankfully, nobody was hurt.

But it did cost a soon-to-be family of four all of their belongings. Now, they’re reaching out to the community for help in rebuilding their lives.

The family said they’ve lost almost all their personal belongings. The fire also destroyed all the gifts they got from their baby shower… which was just two hours before the fire started. Now the family has a couple of months before the baby arrives to recreate their home.

“It’s one of those things, like you never think it’s going to happen to you, and then it does,” Blake Mortimore said.

Devastation hit the Mortimore family on Saturday. A house fire turned their home and everything inside to ash.

“It was terrifying. We didn’t really know what was going on. But then a pastor happened to pass by and saw it and came and got us all out,” Sarah Mortimore said.

Sarah is seven months pregnant. She said her entire family — and their two dogs —were able to get out in time. But everything they bought or were gifted for the baby’s arrival is now gone.

“We set up the nursery and got it all ready and were excited. And then, in a matter of an hour or two, it was gone,” Sarah said.

Sarah’s husband, Blake, said they are now looking to the community to help replace what has been lost, including clothes and other baby items. And with just two months until the due date, he said they need support now more than ever.

“Getting so close. She’s two months out, and baby’s almost here, and everything’s put together and ready to go. And then, before you blink your eyes, there’s nothing left. So, pretty bad,” Blake said.

The fire’s cause is still under investigation. The family also said they will be working with insurance in the coming days to find out the next steps. To learn more on how to help, you can reach out to Sarah directly at SNolen7@gmail.com.