Chuvis Pyett can鈥檛 even remember the face of the man who knocked at his door.

The man, who was driving by Pyett鈥檚 home on 17th Street early Tuesday morning, saw flames shoot out of his carport. He immediately turned around, got out of his car and started banging on Pyett鈥檚 front door, yelling at him to get out of the house.

鈥淚 looked towards the carport, and saw light from flames on a nearby pillar. I ran into my son鈥檚 room and stood in the door frame and in a firm voice told him we have to go now.鈥�

Around 3:45 a.m. Tuesday, Pyett, along with his son, roommate and dog, escaped from the fire, which destroyed their rental home on the corner of 17th Street and Fitzgerald Avenue.

While RCMP noted the investigation is in the early stages, Pyett - who did not have tenant insurance - lost everything in the fire, including clothes, furniture and day-to-day supplies.

Family friend Vicki Wilford, who set up a page for the family, said until the investigation is complete, the family - along with Pyett鈥檚 roommate - cannot enter the home to assess the damage.

鈥淭he fire devastated the home of my friend and his son. They are without clothes, food and housing 鈥� with such a small vacancy rate, my friend鈥檚 health concerns prevent him from working, and lack of affordable housing he is concerned about accommodations and expenses.

鈥淭hey were left on the road with the clothes on their back. Right now, they鈥檙e in need of basic everyday (things) 鈥� socks, deodorant, hygiene products, basic clothing necessities (and) food.鈥�

Willard added donations of clothes in a size five for Pyett鈥檚 son would be appreciated, along with shoes in a size 12-13; medium sized women鈥檚 clothes along with 鈥榯all鈥� men鈥檚 clothes are being collected as well. Donations of cash are being accepted through the page, while other donations are being organized through Courtenay Elementary School.

There is an immediate need of basic necessities, and a longer-term need of furniture and other supplies. Contact Courtenay Elementary at 250-338-5396 prior to dropping off a donation.

The link to the GoFundMe page is https://www.gofundme.com/4f6jo40