Structure fire tears through Valle residence

WILLIAMS Ariz. — Several structures and vehicles were lost in a fire in Valle May 7.

No injuries were reported in the fire, but the property sustained heavy damage.

"I've taken in at least 10 different people with no place to live," said Jerrad Brunette, who lives on the property along with his partner Kimberley Kunze and their young daughter. "I must have done something right because neighbors were coming from every direction with water trailers. It was incredible."

Tusayan Fire Department initially received the call to the structure fire and upon arrival requested mutual aid for the residence on S. Laguna Drive in Valle.

High Country Fire and Rescue in Williams responded with engine 111, tender 113, ambulance/rehab 177 and chief 10.

“Upon arrival, it was determined a shed made out of pallets and two vehicles were on fire,” High Country Fire said in a statement. “The fire started to spread to the trees and brush. Both Fire Departments worked well together to knock down the fire.”

Two private company water delivery tenders arrived. CCSO deputies and Tusayan Fire worked the fire. A total of eight firefighters from HCFR were also on scene.

CCSO deputies and Tusayan Fire are investigating the cause of the fire.

Friends of the family have set up a GoFundMe account for the family.

“I met Kim and her daughter from a local playdate meet up for moms and children in Valle,” said friend Carly Wigmore. “(Jerrad) has done more for the community than he’ll probably admit.

Wigmore said Brunette had delivered firewood, fixed neighbors vehicles, set up solar systems and help people start gardens in the community.

“They have lost five years of hard work in the fire,” she said. “He has lost two vehicles, a Polaris ranger, power tools, welding tanks, all of his tools, water tank, trailer and more.”

Wigmore believes the family could use donations of power tools, welding tanks and any construction materials to help rebuilding.

“If anyone can donate anything to help him rebuild — 2x4s, screws, nails — anything would help to get this important member of our community back on his feet,” she said.

People can donate to the family at a GoFundme at gofund.me/7e792827.