'Hard to fathom:' Stillwater family loses neighboring homes in wildfire

Residents in Stillwater are beginning cleanup efforts after wildfires ripped through several neighborhoods.

Nancy and Fred Helms live next door to their daughter and son-in-law in one of the hardest-hit areas.

“We’re still in shock right now,” Fred said. “Unbelievable, it’s just hard to fathom.”

Both of the families’ homes burned down.

“There’s just nothing salvageable. It’s just devastating. I’ve never, ever been through anything like that.” Fred said.

HOW TO HELP: Resources, How you can help Oklahomans affected by wildfires

The pair never thought they'd lose so much in one night. “We tried to water the lawns down, you know, just to prevent something like this from happening. But it got so bad,” Fred said.

Eventually, the flames forced them all to leave with just the clothes on their back.

“It was just disaster everywhere. It was really sad,” he said.

Among the ash where their home once stood, are things that can't be replaced.

“Every day you kind of wake up and think ‘Oh gosh, I lost the baby book. And oh gosh, my mom’s stuff’s gone' and you know, stuff like that. And it gets emotional,” Nancy said.

Despite losing everything, the couple said support from the community is keeping their spirits high.

“We’re all okay and we have had so much support from friends and family and neighbors,” Nancy said.

“It is just fantastic. It chokes you up because people are so caring. It’s awesome,” Fred said.

Both families plan to rebuild their homes and continue being neighbors.

“We just got to figure out where to go from here, one step at a time,” Nancy said.

The City of Stillwater is taking donations at the Stillwater Armory to help wildfire victims like the Helmses. You can drop off donations from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday through Friday and displaced families can come take what they need Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.