FARGO - Rusty Ouart and his family have endured a trying two years as the military veteran recovered from a traumatic brain injury.
But now, the Fargo family faces added heartache and hardship.
On Wednesday night, a fire ripped through their south Fargo home, destroying the house and killing the family's young dog.
"They're in shock," said family friend Melissa Seitz, who spoke on behalf of the family. "The hardest day is yet to come, and that's tomorrow."
The couple's three young sons have been away at summer camp, she added, and they haven't yet heard the news about the loss of their home and dog, Jingles.
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The small dog was a Christmas Eve gift to the boys last year to comfort them when their father is away, she said.
Homeless, Ouart and his wife, Marilyn, are now living at a Fargo hotel.
Wednesday's incident threw yet another tribulation at the family of five after what's already been a difficult two years.
In 2006, Ouart was inspired to enlist in the National Guard after seeing the devastation of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
In 2006, Ouart was inspired to enlist in the National Guard after seeing the devastation of the 9/11 terrorist attacksAn explosion in Iraq in 2008 ended the former firefighter's tour of duty. It was later determined that the Frazee, Minn., native had suffered a traumatic brain injury from the incident.
This year, several benefits were held to help the family with medical costs.
But now, the Ouart family may need to lean on the community yet again.
"They're amazingly resilient, but anyone that's resilient still has a stress point," Seitz said.
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According to the report from fire officials, Ouart was outside loading items into a vehicle when he noticed smoke in the house. He attempted to rescue the family's dog but was unable to.
When fire crews arrived at the home near Prairiewood Golf Course, heavy smoke was coming out of the two-story house.
The fire, which originated in the basement, heavily damaged one room while the rest of the house sustained extensive smoke damage.
The cause of the fire is still undetermined.
Seitz said it's unclear whether the family will be able to eventually return to their home, although "that's the plan."
The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead and the Herald are Forum Communications Co. newspapers.
