The Rigby family loses everything in a house fire on the way to a funeral

RIGBY – A devastating townhouse fire destroyed everything Celeste Reyna owns as she traveled through California with her family for the funeral of a close friend.

“By the time the smoke was noticed, the apartment was already fully engulfed in flames,” Reyna said. “The firefighters informed us that it was a total loss. We have lost everything. There is nothing that can be saved.”

The fire destroyed the townhouse in the 200 block of South 5th West and sent thick clouds of black and gray smoke billowing into the sky.

“(Firefighters) came to put it out and had to cut holes in the top of the roof,” she said, as the fire spread to the attic.

Her father called Saturday evening to tell them their house was on fire, and the family returned to Rigby Sunday evening.

On Monday, Central Fire District Deputy Fire Chief Joe Schimanski said the fire was caused by a broken ceiling fan in the bathroom.

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Reyna's family has lived in Rigby since 2018, where she works as a caretaker at someone's home. She lives in the townhouse with her adult daughter and her daughter's friend.

“I personally have experienced a lot in my life. I have experienced many ups and downs medically. This is something completely different,” she said. “…I'm a really positive thinker and I really think there's some good in everything. … I've had a lot in my life and very little in my life, and I've been happy at all ends of my life, but it's really hard for me.”

The three women lost most of their clothing in the fire.

“I have about four pairs of jeans and some flannels, but I know my girls don’t actually have anything,” Reyna said. “They literally need clothing, work jeans and clothing of all kinds. Winter is coming, so we could really use that – maybe some winter shoes.”

Reyna said the worst part was the loss of all her family photos and other irreplaceable items.

“Money-related things can all be replaced, but I really have a hard time with pictures and things like that,” she said. “But we will do it. … We'll get back on our feet somehow. I have a lot of faith, so everything will be fine.”

For now, the three are temporarily staying with relatives and friends.

“At this point we don’t really have the financial resources to get another spot, so we’re just crashing where we can,” Reyna said. “…I can’t do this forever, I just don’t know.”

If you would like to help Reyna's family recover, you can contribute to the GoFundMe here. As of Monday afternoon, $350 had been raised.

Her sister-in-law Lori Davis said the family is also collecting donations such as clothing, beds, appliances, furniture, toiletries and other items to help Reyna's family. Davis can be reached at (208) 703-0496.

“They’re just the best people,” Davis said. “They would do anything for anyone.”

The townhouse is insured and will be rebuilt, but that process could take nine months or longer.

In the meantime, the family has access to a storage unit where donated items can be stored until their home is restored.

“The publicity was phenomenal. The city just came together,” Reyna said. “I was really relieved and just so grateful and humbled.”