Residents affected by Courtney Fire get outpouring of support

MADERA COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- People near Bass Lake Heights are focusing on cleaning up. They're getting an outpouring of support from their community and even from out of state.

Since the Courtney Fire broke out on Sunday, Action News has heard stories about kindness big and small. On Friday, we spent the day with an Oakhurst man who lost everything in a fire and is grateful for everyone's generosity.

The Debock family keeps reliving the pain of losing their home. But they consider themselves fortunate because they're moving into a picture-perfect cabin for seven months -- for free.

On the day we met Dave Debock, he had a club sandwich for lunch which he also didn't pay for.

"That's my bill: a piece of gum. There's no check there, nothing. It was free," said Debock.

His family is being taken care of by Leslie Cox, who owns the Forks Resort.

"It's outstanding; I feel like I am indebted to her forever," said Debock.

Cox is giving Debock and other victims food on the house, and she's also not letting any firefighters pay.

"I do feel better when people let me help," said Cox. "It's selfish. I want to do it. I enjoy doing it. If I can help out, I am going to help out. It makes you feel good."

At the epicenter of the fire, Action News caught up with Krissy Franke whose house is still standing. Now she wants to build her neighborhood back up.

"Tomorrow we are having a cleanup day starting at 9 a.m. True Value is bringing in shovels, rakes, gloves and sifters so we can help our neighbors go through their ashes," said Franke.

People keep coming into Miller's Landing Resort with gift cards for big box stores to share with victims. Owner Michelle Miller showed us the stash she's collected, and she expected many more to pour in during a special fundraising tri-tip dinner on Friday evening.

"We expect a very big crowd tonight," said Miller. "The outpouring of support from our community and even people in Fresno, and we've gotten donations from as far away as Kentucky, so everyone has been so generous."

If you couldn't make it to the fundraiser at Miller's Landing Resort, you can call the restaurant at (559) 642-3633 and make a donation.