Family offers thanks for help

Days after a midnight fire destroyed the garage and roof of their Ruhenstroth home, the Plante family is trying to thank all the people that helped them.

From Woodett's Diner, which fed them breakfast the morning after, to East Fork firefighters Joel Greenfield, Stephen Koontz and Capt. Brian Nelson, who were the first to arrive at the blaze Tuesday night, the Plante's thank-you list is growing exponentially as their story touches more and more people.

In January, the family moved into the house on Appaloosa Lane after their own home was foreclosed on. The housing slump had cost Dell Plante his job as a carpenter, and the family was trying to hold on in the rough economy.

Although much of their property was destroyed in the fire, including two cars and half a dozen all-terrain vehicles and dirt bikes, the event was cathartic in more than one way. Escaping unharmed, family members were reminded of the fragility and preciousness of life. They were also touched by the awesome power of the Carson Valley community.

"At this point, we just want to send a big giant thank-you to the whole community," Dell Plante said on Friday morning.

A short list of thanks includes both the career and volunteer firefighters whom the family credits with saving their house and pets; Timothy Gentner, doctor to their 8-year-old asthmatic daughter Zayza; Joni and John Raper of the Corley Ranch, who have taken the family under their roof; S&W Feed of Carson City, which donated food for their animals; and several family members.

"They've gone above and beyond what they needed to do," Kimbre Plante said.

The Plantes are staying in a bunkhouse on the Corley Ranch where Zayza can play with her best friend, Corley Jo Raper.

"It's been a little rough for her (Zayza)," Dell said. "She didn't want to go back to the house. In her mind, there was nothing left. I had to convince her that it was only her bike and quad that were burned. She grabbed things that were important to her, a 4-H award, a rag doll her grandma made her."

East Fork Fire & Paramedic Districts Investigator Terry Taylor believes the fire, which started in the garage, was caused by a power strip. On Friday he was still searching for evidence to support his hypothesis.

"I think it originated in the area of the work bench," he said.

He also said the damage is worse than he thought, about $250,000 worth.

"They're going to have to replace the roof and trusses," he said.

Dell said a former co-worker has loaned the family part of a warehouse where they can store their belongings.

"We haven't really started sifting through the stuff yet," he said.

The family is asking for boxes, tape and newspaper, and other supplies for moving. They also need clothes and bedding for Zayza as many of her belongings were ruined by smoke.

Donations may be dropped off at Shirley Valley Grooming, 1408, Suite 4, Industrial Way, Gardnerville. The shop is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

Monetary donations can be made to the Plante Donation Fund, US Bank account No. 153752825882.