Horizon West family loses house in fire

Horizon West resident Candace Rhoden had just returned home from a work trip Saturday, Jan. 25. 

Instead of cooking after traveling, she and her family — her partner and 19- and 21-year-old children — decided they would eat out and run an errand to Walmart. They dropped off their luggage and the beloved family dog, Turbo, at their home in the Lakes of Windermere community, and then headed out for a relaxing evening.

They never could have imagined the nightmare to which they returned fewer than two hours later.

“We got home, and we could hear the smoke detector beeping from the outside,” Rhoden said.

They opened the door and were overcome immediately by smoke. A fire — which the fire marshal later determined started with a faulty espresso pod machine — raged inside.

Orange County Fire Rescue firefighters responded and extinguished the blaze before it could spread. But the fire, its smoke and soot — coupled with the water used by firefighters — rendered the home inhabitable.

“The soot and smoke got into the HVAC and ducts, and when the fire department comes in, they do what they need to do,” Rhoden said. “So between the fire, soot, water and insulation everywhere, it’s going to be a complete rebuild.”

Courtesy photo

The family rushed Turbo to Veterinary Emergency Clinic of Central Florida, but unfortunately, he had suffered carbon monoxide poisoning and had to be put to sleep Sunday.

As Rhoden stood in the charred kitchen while the fire marshal completed his investigation, it looked bigger than she remembered.

“Then, I realized that the wall between the kitchen and the bedroom was gone,” she said. “I was looking into my bedroom, and I just lost it.”

Rhoden moved into the community four years ago and said she loves it, but she doesn’t know yet what her next move will be. Currently, Rhoden and her family are staying at a nearby hotel. The insurance adjuster is supposed to assess the home this week, and the insurance company is working to find the family temporary housing.

Rhoden said she has been overwhelmed already the community’s generosity. Even as the emergency lights illuminated the community, Rhoden’s neighbors were mobilizing to help. Jaclyn Rhoads organized a GoFundMe and also offered her porch as a drop-off point for donations.

Rhoden said until she has temporary housing, she can’t accept large items such as furniture.

“Grateful is not even the word,” she said of her love for the community. “We’re so appreciative. Whenever there are meal trains, I always try to participate, because you never know when you might need help. We just appreciate everything. Even if you can’t donate — we appreciate the prayers.”

HOW TO HELP
A GoFundMe has been set up to help Candace Rhoden and her family. To donate, visit bit.ly/4jviaGS.

At this time, the family cannot accept furniture, clothes or other items. They can use gift cards and toiletries. Donations can be dropped off on the porch at 6612 Duncaster St., Windermere.