La Brea villagers seek to rebuild fire victim’s home

Residents of Sobo Village in La Brea are joining hands and resources to help rebuild the home for 65-year- old Toola Odai after fire destroyed it on Saturday.

Odai, a former mechanic, left his home to go by a nearby parlour when the fire started inside his modest wooden and galvanized structure around 6.30 pm.

Fire officers suspect that a lamp which was left alight may have started the fire.

The villagers said they tried to save the structure by forming a bucket brigade but the fire spread too rapidly.

In an interview on Sunday, Odai said that he is trying to remain positive.

“Everything that I had in that house I worked hard to buy and save my money little by little. I just try to live as honest as possible. My bed, stove, clothes, water tank, everything just gone.”

Odai said he was thankful he was not inside the house when the fire ignited. “How do I even start over? When I took years to get all that I own, this is what is hurting me the most.”

He said the support and words of comfort from villagers are what is keeping him from breaking down completely.

“We are a very close-knit community here. We look out for each other. And to see all a man’s possession burn in flames and in these already hard times, I have no words,” said villager Herbert Tyson.

Tyson said Odai looks out for everyone in the community.

“You don’t often meet good people but this man here is a good and respectable man and we can’t see him end up on the streets living. He needs all the help he can get from anyone who can help.”

Another resident, Leander Williams, said that it was heartbreaking.

“When I heard the news of what happened my heart just broke because you know what kind of person Mr Odai is, he looks out for everyone in the community.

“I went immediately to see if I could support him.”

Williams said they have all agreed to help in whatever they can contribute but they are unable to meet all his needs right now and are asking for help.

“All he has is the clothes he has on. Please, I know we are living in trying times but if there is anyone out there who can help Mr Odai please, please join with us to help build a home just for him to rest his head on, clothing, and groceries. We can do this.”

In the meantime, Odai is sleeping at the home of neighbours.

Anyone wishing to help Odai can call 375-9288.