Fund established for Pierre family displaced by late night house fire; Rescue dog credited with waking the family

MAY 19, 2022:

A fund has been set up to accept monetary donations for the Pierre family whose home was damaged in a fire Tuesday (May 17, 2022) night.

Steven and Allysen Kerr, their two children all made it out safely, thanks to being alerted to the situation by Sophie, the family dog.

One of the Kerr’s neighbors says the neighborhood has worked together to see that all of their immediate needs are being met. To help cover future costs, the “Kerr Family Benefit” has been set up at Oahe Federal Credit Union. Additionally, contributions may be made through Venmo or to a GoFundMe page that’s been created for the family.

The Kerr family adopted Sophie from PAWS Animal Rescue, having no idea that one day she would be the one rescuing them.

The cause of the house fire is still under investigation, but is not considered to be suspicious.

If you wish to make a donation for the family:

Courtesy photo.

MAY 18, 2022:

The family and their pet made it out safely, but a home in the northeast part of Pierre sustained major fire damage from a fire late last night (May 17, 2022).

Pierre Fire Department Captain Doug Gordon says the call for a structure fire in the 1800 block of Vista Ridge Place came in at approximately 11pm. When firefighters arrived, they noted heavy smoke and fire showing from the single story residential home.

Gordon says there were two adults and two children home at the time of the fire and they– and the family pet– were able to evacuate before fire conditions intensified. The adult male occupant received minor burn injuries to his hand.

Gordon says the cause of the fire is still under investigation, but is not considered to be suspicious. He says firefighters were on scene for about five hours. Other responders on scene included Fort Pierre Fire, AMR ambulance and local law enforcement.