DEL PUERTO CANYON – The SCU Lightning Complex Fire in Del Puerto Canyon has consumed several structures, including the home of a family of eight.

Dale and Angela Holbert, along with their six children, received the news that they had lost their home to the fire on August 18th. The family just recently welcomed a baby girl three months ago.

The family was away from home at the time, so thankfully no one was harmed. A GoFundMe campaign was set up for the family to help get them on their feet.

“I find it ironic that I am sitting here staring at the campfire trying to gather my thoughts about losing our house (we just put so much work in to finish the inside of before the baby came) to a fire just today,” Angela Holbert said in a Facebook post linked to the GoFundMe page. “We appreciate the prayers and encouragement and kind offers for help that have come to us”

As of Saturday morning, the SCU Lightning Complex in Del Puerto Canyon and neighboring regions burned nearly 292,000 acres. The fire affected at least five counties including Stanislaus, Alameda and Santa Clara among others and was only ten percent contained. Smoke from the fire drifted across the region, blanketing the skies with unhealthy particulate matter. The fire ranked the third largest in the history of the state.

While news of the loss was difficult for the Holbert family, they tried to remain positive and optimistic. “God is good all the time and this time is no different. We are safe and we have our hope in Christ who gives us strength. Material things can be replaced. Our salvation in Christ cannot be taken away We are together and our kids are safe. That is what is most important.”

If you would like to donate to the Holbert Family via GoFundMe, you can do so by CLICKING HERE.