Myra Miller
It was not a very merry Christmas for Allen and Laura Gonsuron as their family home was destroyed by a fire.
The fire destroyed the home in Acadia Parish at about 3:30 a.m., Saturday.
According to Eunice Fire Chief Michael Arnold, fire districts responding to the fire in the 5700 block of Eunice-Iota Highway included Acadia District 4, St. Landry Parish Fire District 6, the Richard fire district, and Basile Acadia-Evangeline fire district.
Four people, including the Gonsuron’s daughter and her husband from Beaumont, Texas, were home during the fire, but all family members were able to exit the home safely.
However, the family’s three dogs died in the fire.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, but investigators believe the fire started in the attic of the home.
Allen Gonsuron said that the community has been extremely wonderful and he added, “We have received tremendous help. I’m thankful.”
The Gonsurons are staying in his sister’s camper at La Pay E Bas RV Park, near Iota.
Gonsuron extends his gratitude to all who have extended help. “I know it will be a day by day process and we are planning to rebuild on our property. We love the area where we live.”
Gonsuron raises show horses and says he is grateful that the fire did not extend to his barn behind his home. “The barn is safe, along with my cows, horses and sheep.”
The Gonsurons moved 11 years ago from New Iberia. He is an unemployed oilfield worker and his wife Laura is employed at Stine’s in Crowley.