Neighbors, friends and strangers from around Star Valley are coming together to help a local couple who’s home is a complete loss after catching fire Saturday.

“It’s really incredible to live in a small community like this,” homeowner Victor Noles emotionally told SVI Media while standing in the charred entryway of his home.

The fire started at roughly 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 25 on Cedar Drive in the Town of Star Valley Ranch. According to Noles, a neighbor called 911 after noticing the smoke. Another neighbor was notified, who went into the burning home where they found Victor’s wife, Sonya, trapped in the kitchen. Noles said the neighbor helped Sonya out of the home. When EMS arrived, she was transported by ambulance to Star Valley Health with 2nd degree burns on her arms, shoulders, back and face and smoke inhalation. She was later transported to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls where she continues to recover.

Victor was in Evanston for a work training when the fire occurred. He expressed his gratitude to his neighbors, some of which he didn’t even know, who jumped into action and potentially saved his wife’s life.  “This could have ended very differently,” he stated. “Things are just things and they can be replaced.”

Noles noted he didn’t know what he would find when he returned to his home, and was relieved to see that there was still a structure standing. However, the home is a total loss.

According to Chief Tedd Jenkins with the Thayne Volunteer Fire Department, firefighters were dispatched to the scene at 11:37 a.m. When they arrived the house was already fully engulfed in flames. They were told that one person had been found in the home but was already taken to safety. So firefighters immediately began an initial attack in the bottom floor and moved upward. Chief Jenkins credited fire hydrants, which were recently installed by the Town of Star Valley Ranch, for playing a vital role in helping bring the fire under control. The Alpine Fire Department also assisted in effort.

According to Chief Jenkins, although Sonya was able to make it out of the home, one dog was found dead in the fire with another dog still missing as of Monday morning.

Victor told SVI Media that the fire started in the kitchen where Sonya was cooking. He speculates that grease caught fire, and Sonya attempted to pick up the pot to take it outside when when she was burned, dropping the pot and spraying burning grease around the kitchen.

While Victor said the couple’s immediate needs are taken care of thanks to insurance, family and friends, he expressed his deep gratitude for ongoing fundraising efforts. One of those efforts includes a Facebook auction set up by another neighbor titled “Helping Hands for the Noles.”

“They are two of the most hardworking, kind, and humble people you could meet-and the last to ever ask for help,” states the auction description. “That’s exactly why we’re coming together now.”

Members of the auction can donate goods and services that are then bid on the in comments section of each. All the proceeds will benefit the Noles. In addition, a local bank account is being set up to accept donations. Details will be posted once the account is established. The auction can be found by searching for “Helping Hands for the Noles” on Facebook, or by clicking here.

SVI photos/Duke Dance