By Shannon Lukens. (Courtesy photos)

A Routt County family lost their 106-year-old family home in a fire south of Hayden Friday. Joe and Lysa Long and their four kids lived there, with Lysa’s brother, Will Valora. They are all OK, but the dogs died in the fire. They will be staying with family.

 

Joe and Lysa both work in the Hayden School District and are involved with 4-H, the FFA, and the Routt County Fair. Joe’s dad is Dave Long, the Routt County Fair Board president. Will Valora works for Routt County Road and Bridge and is also a 4-H leader.

 

They come from multi-generational homesteading families in Routt County. The home that burned belonged to their great grandparents. The family says they spent much time in it growing up and they were making it their own.

 

Lysa’s mom, Shannon Valora, says, “So thankful no one was home. Things and even pets can be replaced, but they are so lucky they have their lives and a place to live until they can take those next steps. It will definitely be a long road.”

 

A fund has been set up to help the family at Mountain Valley Bank. Gift cards from places like Walmart, City Market, and Amazon can also be dropped off at the Hayden School District and Wild Goose Coffee Shop in Hayden. They do not need any more clothing or toy donations at this time because they have nowhere to put them.

 

The fire was on Routt County Road 37, about 12 miles south of Hayden. West Routt Fire Chief Trevor Guire said they were first to respond. The building was already engulfed in fire and the building had partially collapsed.  Chief Guire says there is no way to know how the fire started yet.

 

Chief Guire says they want to thank Oak Creek Fire Rescue, Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue, Routt County Sheriff’s Office, Hayden Police, and Routt County Road & Bridge for assisting.