RICHLAND, Ga. (WALB) - A family of eight is asking for community support after a fire destroyed their home and its contents on Saturday, March 7.

The Hickman family was staying with relatives when they received word that their Richland home was on fire. By the time they arrived, flames had already consumed the structure.

Fire believed to have started on porch

The fire is believed to have started on the home’s porch. Based on accounts from neighbors and firefighters, the family said they believe lightning struck the porch. Several outdoor grills and fryers stored there likely ignited from the strike, causing a fire that destroyed the home the family had lived in for 20 years.

Mother describes moment of arrival

The mother, Layken Hickman, said the reality of the loss was difficult to process when they arrived at the scene.

“All the reality of it, knowing that everything for our kids was gone, I was just afraid of breaking,” she said. “And one of my kids happened to be with us that night, and I didn’t want him to see me break.”

Hickman said she has tried to remain composed in front of her children.

“People say that ‘you seem to be handling it well,’ and I have to,” she said. “When I’m alone, yeah, I cry. Like, when I see things, I cry, because it’s a lot to process. But when I’m with the kids, I try not to because they need us to be strong.”

Family seeks help after losing everything

Hickman said one of the hardest parts has been asking for help. She said the family has always managed on their own until now.

“We’ve never bothered people, and now we’re in a position where we can’t do this on our own,” she said. “Chris and I just can’t, we can’t restart our lives with six kids on our own, so we need help.”

She said the loss extends beyond material possessions.

“Everything is gone, every item, everything. And yes, most of it is just stuff, but some of this is stuff that we can’t replace. So mentally, we need people to understand that we are doing the best we can,” Hickman said.

How to help

If you would like to donate, you can visit this GoFundMe or visit the Facebook post below to learn about their immediate needs and other ways to donate.

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