A rental home just South of Gull Lake has been completely destroyed by a fire that occurred on Friday evening on April 30. Michael and Annie Tilbury and their 3-year-old daughter Chloe were out for dinner at a local restaurant and came home to tragedy.  

“They were out for supper. Then, Mike and Annie went home they drove into the into the yard, and their house was in flames. They're very thankful that they weren't in the place,” said Scott Tilbury, Michael’s father. 

Within minutes of the Tilbury's arrival home, fire crews arrived on scene. Thanks to a phone call from a neighbouring farmer.  With lots of wind, the weather conditions were not ideal for firefighting but his father says fire crews worked very hard. 

“The Blackfalds Fire Department and the Bentley Fire Department did an awesome job to mitigate loss. They were there for 3 or 4 hours a day… They put the fire out for awhile. They tested all the hot spots. We were going out there Saturday morning to see what we could find and there was still a lot of stuff that was still standing in and around the house but the house reignited on Saturday morning and it destroyed everything,” explained Michael’s father. 

Although the family was kept safe from the blazes, they did lose their dog in the incident. Scott says a couple of family heirlooms were also lost in the flames. 

Photo courtesy of Scott Tilbury.

“It’s going to take some time. We’re not happy for the loss but they’re happy that their safe,” said Scott. 

Additionally, Michael and Annie are expecting their second child. A family friend has started a GoFundMe in hopes to get the growing family back up on their feet and begin again. 

“They're going to need pretty much everything to restart,” said Scott, “The GoFundMe is the best (to help out). Rather than saying 'hey, I got a bed'. I got this. People are better off just going to the GoFundMe page and then, they can pick,” added Scott. 

The Tillburys continue to be very thankful for the support they recieve from the community. 

If you’re looking to help out the Tilbury family, you can check out their GoFundMe here.