CHESAPEAKE, Va. - Two families living off of Airline Blvd. lost everything in a Monday afternoon fire.
“My house caught on fire, and I don't know what happened," said Jacqueline Yaya.
The 21-year-old Old Dominion University student left her home to run a quick errand nearby. Her 13-year-old brother, Angel, was inside doing virtual school work.
“I see smoke start coming down, so I’m like, 'OK, I have to get out of the house.' So, I open the door and that's when really thick smoke hit me in my face," said Angel Augilar.
Authorities received the call at 1:13 p.m. after multiple reports from citizens. Engine Company 10 arrived on scene five minutes later to find two apartments that were heavily involved in fire.
“It sucks to lose everything - especially when you work so hard to get everything," adds Yaya.
A firefighter with the Chesapeake Fire Department was hurt while rescuing two children from the apartment above Yaya's. Crews found the children in a bathroom.
The children were pulled to safety and were taken to a local emergency room with non-life-threatening injuries.
One firefighter suffered minor burns during the rescue and was treated on scene.
The car belonging to Yaya's mother, which was parked right outside the burning home, was also damaged by the flames.
The community created a GoFundMe page to help the family rebuild. Angel's 14th birthday is this week.
“You don't understand what the word 'grateful' means until you actually lose everything.”
To donate to the GoFundMe campaign, click here.
