A day after a three alarm house fire near Blair High Road in Northwest Omaha burnt to the ground, the homeowners are now rummaging through what’s left of their home.
Daniel Naunton and his family lived in that house for nearly 15 years, but Naunton says the memories created in his home were endless.
"I mean, I'm devastated. Still in shock. But I was glad nobody got hurt and I guess everything in there is basically replaceable," says Naunton.
Two puppies and Naunton’s stepson’s pet snake were the only fatalities in the fire – Naunton, his wife and stepson were all at work at the time of the fire.
“Every time I look at it, - kind of think about stuff that's in there that you don't have anymore and can't use anymore, and yeah - and I'm sure each day it's going to sink in some more,” adds Naunton.
Naunton and his wife say losing their home has been devastating, but it’s the little things that hurt the most.
"We kinda looked for our wedding rings but so far no luck. There were also some books that my dad gave me as a child. I got a book that my auntie gave me,” says Naunton. “They’re just books but it was the sentiment of who gave it to me.”
Luckily, in between ash and debris, Naunton was able to salvage some memories.
"There's quite a bit of photos that are in good condition and may just need to be wiped down so I'm glad because that's something you can't replace.”
With the support of friends and family, Naunton and his are now focusing on rebuilding their life and their home.
"You don't really think about it but everything was in there so - you want to change your clothes you don't have it. You want something to eat, it's not there,” says Naunton. “Lots of people have offered to help which makes things a lot better. So it’s been great to have that support. My wife’s boss came and brought me this coat.”
Naunton is working on with the insurance company but is awaiting for the go-ahead from the company before making any moves to his home.
He and his family are staying inside their camper, which is only located a few feet away from what’s left of their house. They want to stay on property so they can take care of their 21 cats, their llamas and horses.
The Fire Marshal did complete an investigation in search for cause of the fire. No details yet.
A family friend set up a GoFundMe account for the family.
