Cody and Amanda Bulmer and their six children lost their home on Mahar Lane in Perry on the afternoon of Friday, September 7, when a fire that started in the garage quickly engulfed the attached house.
     Perry Fire Chief Paula Frost says that thick black smoke was coming from both the fire and the house when the fire department first arrived. The smoke quickly turned to fire. "It was a total loss," she says, with nothing left of the house and garage but ashes and scrap metal. Two adjacent structures were saved as well as a tractor that was in the drive. The property was not insured.
     Assisting the Perry Fire Department were the fire departments of Eastport, Pleasant Point and Robbinston with Charlotte standing by. The sheriff's department and ambulances from Downeast EMS and Sipayik were on hand. Frost reports that the call came in at 2:55 p.m. and the fire crews were able to clear out at 7 p.m.
     The family is struggling with the aftermath. "They lost everything in their home," says Jana Sutherland, former mother‑in‑law to Amanda and grandmother of the children. "Amanda and her friend, Amanda Rodgers, managed to roll out through a window to escape, as the fire was blocking the door exit. They did manage to rescue the two dogs and one kitten. Two kittens did not make it. My grandchildren saw the fire as the school bus pulled up to drop them off. Everyone has been in a bit of shock over the weekend."

Community steps forward to help
     Many people have stepped forward to help, says Sutherland. The family's clothing needs have been met. "A generous man has donated a home, rent free, for them until December." She expected that the family would be moved in to their temporary home by September 10.
     Frost notes that a number of people came forward with heavy equipment to clean up the site of the fire and ready it for rebuilding. Being uninsured, the family needs help with building supplies. They have requested gift cards or cash to Hammond Lumber. Sutherland adds, "They are also requesting donations of building supplies and people to help with the building process."
     In addition, the family needs gas gift cards, store gift cards and local restaurant gift certificates or cards. Household supplies such as kitchen items, towels, washcloths, sheets and blankets are needed. Pembroke Irving, Johnson's in Pembroke and the Strawberry Patch are all accepting donations of cash and items for the Bulmer family.
     Two online funding campaigns have been set up. Starr Kierstead‑Calder has a Facebook funding page that has a $2,000 goal, and Amanda's cousin, Lindsey Clement, has started a GoFundMe page with a $5,000 goal. Johnson's Shell redemption center in Pembroke will accept returnables with proceeds to benefit the family; just let them know that the funds should go to the Bulmer fire relief effort.
     Sutherland has been collecting cash and check donations for the family as well. One was collected from the Cornerstone Church. She notes that all cash donations that she receives are turned into cashier's checks for the Bulmers at the First National Bank. "Any and all help is appreciated and needed," she stresses.
     A public supper and raffle to benefit the Bulmer family will be held at the Perry Elementary School on Saturday, September 29, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the raffle and 4 to 6 p.m. for the supper. Tickets for the raffle are five for $1 and the supper is by donation. For more information, to donate or to volunteer to help, call the Perry school at 853‑2522.