Kim and Tyler Burns had already lost nearly everything when fire tore through their newly built home in Drummond-North Elmsley Township. Then thieves struck, stealing the few belongings firefighters had managed to save.
The young couple, who have sons aged one and three, completed construction of their first home in 2023. On the morning of June 3, Tyler left early for a job site after recently launching his own landscaping business. Kim, who had the day off, planned to catch up on household chores but first packed the boys and the family’s new puppy into the car and left for daycare at about 7:50 a.m.
“If I had taken an extra 20 minutes, as I could have, I would have been in there when it happened,” Kim said.
The cause of the fire remains undetermined, according to BBD&E Fire Chief Greg Saunders whose department responded to the fire. The blaze appears to have spread with frightening speed.
“One of the volunteer firefighters who drives past our house every day said he went by at 8:15 a.m. and there was no sign of the fire,” Kim said.
Shortly after 8:30 a.m., one of Tyler’s employees arrived at the Burns’ home to retrieve a tool from the garage. Instead, he found the garage engulfed in flames and fire spreading across the roof. He immediately called 911 before contacting Tyler, who then called Kim.
“The call came in at 8:39 a.m. and crews arrived at 8:52 a.m.,” Saunders said.
By the time firefighters reached the property, the garage was fully engulfed and flames were spreading through the house. It took the firefighters nearly two hours to fully extinguish the blaze.
“I didn’t think it was that bad until I got onto Highway 43 and saw the black smoke,” Kim said.
A friend quickly launched a GoFundMe campaign to help the family cover immediate expenses while they wait for insurance. The community rallied behind them, raising almost 90 per cent of the initial $6,500 goal to help purchase clothing, toys and other essentials for two toddlers and their parents.
Firefighters were able to salvage a handful of belongings, which were placed in a shed. Among them were several pieces of furniture, Tyler’s collection of antique tractors and a collection of silver Kim inherited from her grandmother.
But before the family could reclaim those precious remnants, the shed was broken into and everything inside was stolen.
“We’ve lost everything,” Kim said.
The Burns family is now staying with relatives as they navigate insurance claims and begin the difficult process of rebuilding their lives. Despite the fire, the theft and the uncertainty ahead, Kim remains grateful for the support surrounding them.
“People have been very gracious and kind to us,” she said.
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Absolutely horrible experience… and to the person(s) responsible for breaking in and stealing what was left…. I hope you suffer for as long as you live.
I feel so sorry for this family who had just build a nice house for their family to enjoy! What a sad story! Hope they find some energy into rebuilding their family home and be safe again!
And to those who stole their property, shame on you?
Thinking of you all!