In Grand Forks, B.C., a retired couple, Ritchie and Rene Day, faced the daunting task of rebuilding their lives once again after enduring two devastating fires in 2025. The couple found themselves in a distressing situation when a fire broke out at Johnny’s Motel, displacing them for the second time that year, along with other residents from four additional units.
Having recently moved into the motel to navigate insurance matters following the loss of their cherished home to a fire in late September, the Days were left with nothing but memories as their newly rebuilt life went up in flames. The loss of their dream home, which had undergone a decade’s worth of renovations and landscaping on a prominent street in Grand Forks, was a heartbreaking blow.
Recalling the night of the house fire in September, Ritchie vividly described the chaos as they narrowly escaped the engulfing flames with just the clothes on their backs and Rene’s cellphone. Tragically, they lost their four pet birds in the fire, adding to the emotional toll of the devastating event.
With the cause of the fire remaining a mystery to the Days, community support in Grand Forks played a crucial role in their recovery. Generosity poured in through fundraisers, donations from local businesses, and the unwavering assistance of neighbors during their time of need.
Their resilience was tested once more on the evening of December 21, when a fire at the motel, sparked by a guest’s vehicle in the parking garage, left them homeless for a second time in the same year. Despite the challenges, Ritchie expressed determination to rebuild and move forward in 2026, emphasizing the importance of staying positive in the face of adversity.
Currently staying at their son’s house, the Days are awaiting the opportunity to move into one of the undamaged units at Johnny’s Motel, where they aim to start anew once again. Fire Chief Morgan Strohmann acknowledged the devastating impact of the recent fire but reassured that efforts were underway to restore the operational status of the affected units.
As they navigate through these unforeseen challenges, the Days remain grateful for the support and kindness shown by the Grand Forks community, emphasizing the strength found in unity during times of crisis.