Mount Vernon Home Destroyed By Fire

Mount Vernon, Washington– The rental  home of Pastor Emilio Benitez,  his wife Lola Benitez and their 14 year old daughter Jennifer on West Meadows Boulevard in Mount Vernon  was destroyed by an afternoon fire on Wednesday, April 27th, 2016.

The Fire, which witnesses say started in the garage quickly spread. The Plume of smoke could be seen from miles away as Firefighters from the Mount Vernon, Burlington, Big Lake, Clear Lake and McLean Road Fire Departments responded to the three alarm fire.

Their  home was completely destroyed as well as two cars in the driveway. Two adjacent homes were also damaged by  the fire.

Firefighters were able to assist a neighbor and several dogs from their home and luckily there were no reports of  injuries in the fire.

Emilio is the pastor at El Camino de Emaus Lutheran Church in Burlington.  In addition to being a  pastor, he is the founder of a non-profit organization that allows educational enrichment for kids that normally would not be able to access it.  

Lola, his wife is said to be a a generous and kind soul and has worked at the Mexico  Cafe in West Mount Vernon for years.

A Go Fund Me Account has been established for the family, which has raised nearly $8,000 in less than 24 hours, to help offset costs of replacing  items, as the family had no rental insurance. The Go Fund Me can be found by clicking here.

An account has also been set up at the Burlington Lutheran Church as well if people want to donate in person.

The Red Cross responded to the address and provided the family with temporary assistance.

The Cause of the Fire is still under investigation.