Oklahoma foster family picking up the pieces after wildfire destroys home
Hundreds of homes were destroyed in Oklahoma over the weekend as wildfires spread across the state.
Evacuations were ordered in some communities as more than 130 fires were reported across the state, and nearly 300 homes were damaged or destroyed. Gov. Kevin Stitt said at a Saturday news conference that some 266 square miles burned in the state.
One family in Oklahoma City is picking up the pieces from their home that was destroyed in a fire. The family said the disaster won't stop them from fostering children.
“I was actually at the funeral for a student when I got the call that our home was on fire,” said Morgan Mayhue. “All we know right now is that it seems like it started with a powerline, caught the fence on fire, which then caught my neighbor’s home on fire, which set a fire to our home.”
Luckily, nobody was home at the time of the blaze. The family says they lost everything in the fire.
When sister station KOCO stopped by the family’s property on Saturday, they gave them a closer look at the damage, including a melted trampoline and other toys that once filled their backyard.
“Our foster baby boy he just turned 1 yesterday and his party was scheduled for today at 1 p.m., they were derailed,” Mayhue said.
As they work to put the pieces back together, they are counting on family and community for support. Their two children and four foster children are staying with family.
Mayhue said no matter what home looks like in the future, they won’t let this barrier keep them from fostering.
“We raised 25 children, and we don't plan on stopping,” Mayhue said.
“We trust God. It is a devastating incident, but we trust God and believe we will rebuild, and he will restore for us,” said Demetrius Mayhue.
The homeowners have taped off their property to keep people safe and discourage trespassers.
A GoFundMe has been established for the family. Those wishing to donate can do so .
