MITCHELL, S.D. (KELO) — Two teachers in Mitchell are looking to get back on their feet after a fire destroyed their home.
The damage left behind by a fast-moving fire destroyed two townhomes. Riley and Michaela Berggren own unit number 5. The home is at a total loss, but luckily, the couple was away on vacation when the fire started.
“He got the call, and then he called me into the other room. I know it was kind of like a shock and awe type of thing,” Michaela Berggren said.
“Most of our things are gone, but we were blessed. Both vehicles were okay, and most importantly, we are unharmed,” Riley Berggren said.
For now, the couple has a place to stay.
“We were able to get into a new apartment. It’s nothing fancy. It’s small. We’re hoping to not be there too long, but it has been a blessing just to be able to have a place to live,” Riley Berggren said.
Riley and Michaela both work at Mitchell High School. Riley teaches biology and Michaela is an algebra and geometry teacher. School starts next week.
“We’ve had to kind of put our school year prep on hold for the time being, but we’re going to be alright when the kids come,” Riley Berggren said.
“We don’t have our laptops yet, and I hope everything is saved on the drives,” Michaela Berggren said.
Since Thursday’s fire, the Berggrens have received a lot of community support. As of Tuesday afternoon, their GoFundMe is already over $9,000.
“It’s been incredible. Just the generosity of people has been really astounding and it’s just kind of a testament of God’s goodness and faithfulness,” Michaela Berggren said.
If you would like to donate to the Berggren’s GoFundMe, click here.
