A Grand Forks, B.C., retired couple is facing the daunting task of rebuilding their lives for the second time in 2025 after surviving back-to-back fires that left them with nothing. Ritchie and Rene Day, who had relocated to Johnny’s Motel for temporary housing following the loss of their dream home in a fire earlier in the year, were once again forced to flee when a fire broke out at the motel on December 21.
The fire, which also displaced residents from four other units, marked the second major setback for the Days in a year filled with tragedy. Just months prior, they had lost their cherished home to flames after years of hard work on renovations and landscaping.
The night their house went up in flames, Ritchie and Rene barely escaped with their lives, leaving behind all their possessions, including their beloved pet birds. The community rallied around them, offering support and assistance as they grappled with the devastating loss.
Their temporary respite at Johnny’s Motel was short-lived, as another fire, sparked by a guest’s vehicle in the parking garage, consumed a portion of the building, including the unit where the Days were staying. Despite the setbacks, Ritchie remains determined to rebuild, buoyed by the outpouring of support from the Grand Forks community.
As they await relocation to a safe unit at Johnny’s, the Days are staying with family, maintaining a positive outlook on the challenges they have faced. Fire Chief Morgan Strohmann expressed the community’s sorrow over the incident, emphasizing the resilience and spirit of the Grand Forks residents.
The Days, grateful for the assistance they have received, are focused on moving forward and rebuilding their lives in the coming year, refusing to be weighed down by the tragedies they have endured.