By Carleen Wild
Moody County Enterprise
The cause of a devastating house fire in Flandreau over the weekend remains under investigation, but one thing is certain — a family of eight is safe and beginning the difficult process of rebuilding.
The home on S. Lindsay Street is considered a total loss after a fire that started in the garage Saturday afternoon spread quickly to a vehicle and then into the house.
Chad ThinElk and Ashlynn Gaul, along with six children, escaped the home. ThinElk, who rushed to try and put out the flames, suffered burns to his face and hands. He was transported to a Sioux Falls-area hospital and is recovering.
Fire crews from Flandreau, Colman and Trent responded and were able to bring the fire under control quickly, but not before significant damage was done.
Officials say the home is a total loss.
Flandreau Police Department, Moody County Sheriff’s Office and Flandreau EMS also responded, assisting with traffic control and on-scene support.
The family is currently being assisted by the Red Cross and the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe. ThinElk works in security at Royal River Casino, Gaul is a paraprofessional at Flandreau Public Schools. The family, who rented the house, had no insurance coverage for personal belongings.
In the hours and days since, community members have stepped in — dropping off clothing, household items and other essentials to help the family get back on its feet, but much more, including a new vehicle, are needed.
“Now my head is starting to wrap around things, I can’t stop crying. Everything is gone. Even the car that I get these guys around in. I’m slowly processing. My babies are okay and I’m so so thankful they’re all okay. Arlo and Steven were scared so they ran back inside the burning house. They’re okay, everyone is okay. Just mentally taking this in right now,” Gaul shared in a recent Facebook post.
How to Help the
Thin Elk/Gaul family
A Flandreau family displaced by a weekend house fire is accepting donations as they begin to rebuild. Clothing, shoes, bedding and basic household items are all needed, especially for children.
Sizes needed:
Boys: Sizes 14, large, medium & 4T–5T
Girls: Sizes 3T–4T
Diapers/pull-ups: Size 4T–5T, Size 6-7
Womens: Sizes small/medium clothing, size 7 shoes
Mens: Sizes medium pants (30×30), XL shirts, size 10.5 shoes
Item drop-off location: 312 E. Broad Ave., Flandreau. Community members are also encouraged to share information or reach out directly if they are able to help.
Monetary donations are also being accepted to help the family replace essential items. Please drop these off to Hurley at King Insurance Agency, 128 E 2nd Ave, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekday and have your donation designated for the family.
Those who are able to transfer funds via CashApp ($BatmanGirl01or Venmo (@BatmanCapeCrusader)are encourged to do so. Hurley will ensure the funds are given to the family.
Any amount is most appreciated and welcomed!
Leave a Reply