CATAWISSA, Mo. — A family who lives on Lake Serene near Pacific is without a home after theirs caught fire and burned to the ground Sunday night.
A neighbor's vacation home also caught fire and is now unlivable.
The Pacific Fire Marshall said it happened in the 4400 block of South Shore Drive.
It started out as an average Sunday for Rick and Tina Metcalf. They were at their grandson's birthday party in Illinois and got back home to Lake Serene around 7 Sunday night.
“And as I rounded the corner, I could see the flames shooting. I looked at my wife and said that, ain't our house and it was our house,” Rick Metcalf said.
Metcalf said they immediately they tried to save what they could from their fiery home...
“My wife’s car was really close to the house and was getting hot so she jumped in it to move it. I ran into the basement to save our dogs. The fire and the smoke just blew me right to the floor. And I couldn't move and it was so hot. I couldn't do anything but get out while I'm screaming for my dogs,” Metcalf said.
But the three dogs—one of which they were dogsitting for a family member—didn't make it.
While the firefighters worked to put out the flames, all the Metcalfs could do is watch their hard work and their livelihood burn to the ground in just a few hours.
“It was just utter terror. I'm a strong man. And I'm a proud man. I don't ask for help often and I’m lost, clueless,” Metcalf said.
Just 10 days before Christmas, they lost everything. They lived there with their daughter Tabitha and her boyfriend and had nearly finished building the home exactly how they wanted it.
“I don't care how long it takes we're gonna rebuild, paycheck to paycheck. Lumber load to lumber load we will get it eventually. I don't give up easy. I think I got one more in me,” Metcalf said.
The community isn't giving up on them either.
“From the photos, it looked like a whole neighborhood was on fire. Somebody said they heard an explosion,” Jennie Johannes said.
Johannes works at On The Run in Pacific with Tabitha and decided to start collecting clothing and funds for the family.
“We filled my car, their truck and their daughter's car with all kinds of stuff and donations are still pouring out. I appreciate everybody. Everybody's been wonderful,” Johannes said.
Metcalf said they're so thankful to still have each other and a wonderful community this Christmas.
“I just wanted to reach out to all the people that are reaching out to me and tell you, ‘God bless you all. Merry Christmas. I love you. Pray. Pray for us. Just pray. Keep sending the messages of prayer.’ We need it,” Metcalf said.
Metcalf said their family has been through a lot and they lost two grandchildren in a fire in Cahokia Heights earlier this year.
Right now the Metcalfs are staying in a nearby hotel and are still in need. If you'd like to help you can donate to the GoFundMe here.
And if you have items to donate you can reach out to Jennie Johannes here or come by the Molbil On The Run gas station at 2027 W Osage St in Pacific.