May 31, 2024
EVANSVILLE, Wis. (WKOW) -- An Evansville family is working out their new normal after a house fire Wednesday night.
Rachel and Brett Watring say it was a typical night at home. They were getting their two kids ready for bed when Rachel says she started to smell something burning.
She followed the smell to the garage door and when she opened it, she saw a wall of smoke and flames coming from their car.
"So, I yelled for Brett. Then he started running, tried to grab a pitcher to put it out," Rachel said.
Brett says he also tried to use a fire extinguisher, but it was no match.
"It just didn't help. It just kept getting bigger," Brett said.
The Watrings gathered their two kids and got safely out of the house. They're still in a bit of shock, every once and a while the memories flood over them. But what they haven't forgotten is the generosity of neighbors, friends and even total strangers who have offered food, clothing and a place to say.
"It's just a wonderful, wonderful town," Brett said. "I really hope we can stay here. I mean anything we can do to try to stay in this town."
"[We're just] so grateful for everything everyone has done," Rachel said.
The Watrings say they're now working out what will happen to the Evansville home. If the time comes, it would be a tough goodbye.
"We don't know if we might be able to rebuild here or if we're going to have to demolish it and move," Brett said. "We really don't know yet but we're hoping we can stay here."
The Watrings have a meeting Friday to start getting those answers but they know figuring out next steps will be an exercise in patience.
Brett's sister started a GoFundMe to help the family get back on their feet. If you'd like to donate, click here.
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