Fundraiser started to help Huntley family displaced by house fire

HUNTLEY — As previously reported, on Oct. 13, 2024, at approximately 5:52 p.m., the Huntley Fire Protection District responded to a call at the 10900 block of Heartland Lane in the Wing Pointe subdivision for a report of a structure fire.

Once at the scene, firefighters found heavy smoke and flames had engulfed the rear end of the home belonging to the Brannan family. Heavy winds that day accelerated the fire’s intensity causing flames to spread quickly into the attic. Despite the situation being under control within 20 minutes, fire officials deemed the home uninhabitable.

Although the fire was immense, the Brannan family, which consists of five individuals, and their beloved pets were able to make it out of the home safely and without injuries. While neighbors helped the family by buying household items from the wish lists they created, family friend Michelle Rankin stated that the family has continued to face challenges.

“The family thought that they would be able to make it on their own with insurance and some help that has come from purchases from an Amazon wish list. Not having gone through anything like this, none of us could begin to imagine all that the coming months would entail and all that insurance wouldn’t cover but would be needed,” wrote Rankin on the GoFundMe fundraiser she has organized for the Brannan family.

As of Jan. 13, the GoFundMe for the Brannan family has raised $350 of its $25,000 goal. Rankin further explained that the fundraiser is to help cover the costs that insurance won’t cover and to continue to assist the Brannan family.

Residents interested in donating to the family’s GoFundMe can do so by visiting gofund.me/5f5b2080.