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LUTSEL K'E/SNOWDRIFT
In the early morning hours of Jan. 17 Chief Antoine Michel's log home in Lutsel K'e caught fire and sustained extensive damage - leaving the home a write off.

Michel's wife and daughter escaped and were treated at the local nursing station for minor injuries.

Both members of the Lutsel K'e RCMP detachment were on scene to help.

The fire is still under investigation, but it is believed to be accidental in nature.

Community members quickly came to the family's aid, helping to control the blaze before crews were on scene.

"The thing smoldered for two days," Const. Don Duplissea of the Lutsel K'e RCMP detachment said. "The folks did really really well, the men and women from the community - it was brutally cold on Tuesday so they did a good job."

The situation only gets worse for Michel as his home wasn't insured - although it wasn't for a lack of trying.

According to media reports, Michel's insurance company denied his attempts to purchase home insurance as the replacement costs of the log cabins are too expensive.

The community has rallied together, supporting the family with donations of food and helping replace what the family has lost.

"I'm aware of a lot of people replacing food," Duplissea said.

"What do you say really, these folks lost everything. I know people are taking over clothes and food and I see a lot of fish and caribou meat going that way."

The Lutsel K'e Health Centre is set up to receive non-monetary donations from the community for the Michel family.

"We've received quite a few donations so far," Hanna Catholique, community co-ordinator for the Lutsel K'e Health Centre said. "We're not set up to accept monetary donations - and that's what they really need now to help rebuild."

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