‘It’s Just Very Traumatic’: Chouteau Man Loses Nearly Everything In House Fire

A Chouteau man lost nearly everything he owns in a fire at his house. 

Erik Moore said this has been a nightmare. He's heartbroken he's lost so much but is relieved his daughters weren't home and no one was hurt. 

"I knew what to do, but it was mostly panic," Moore said. 

Moore said he was outside talking with his neighbors Friday night when they started to smell smoke. They ran in the house and saw flames in his kitchen and dining room. He grabbed a fire extinguisher and put some of it out, but the fire had moved to the attic. 

"It's just very traumatic, it's a first for me in 50 years, I've never had to personally deal with a house fire," Moore said. 

He said firefighters were able to put out the fire, but it reignited on Saturday, and now the house is a total loss. 

Moore said he's lost everything, and while he's devastated, he's relieved his two young daughters weren't home at the time.

"I don't know how to put that into words actually, extreme ultimate relief, that my daughters weren't asleep in bed," Moore said. 

Now, people are stepping up to help. He's been staying with friends and people are organizing fundraisers to support him.

Moore said he's thankful people are willing to help him during such a tough time. 

"I'm very grateful that people have come forth and done what they've done. I'm not always so good at asking for help," he said. 

If you'd like to donate to Moore and his family, click here.