People stepping in to help after single dad lost everything in apartment fire

CHANDLER, Ariz. (FOX 10) -- It's a cruel blow that took place just before Christmas, as an apartment belonging to a single dad and his two kids was burned out. Now, friends are pitching in to help.

The terrible fire destroys just about everything they own. Demarcus Walker was bringing one of his sons to his grandma's house. Walker's other son, 13-year-old Kambrel, was in the apartment doing homework. He heard popping noises upstairs, opened a bedroom door, saw smoke got out and alerted neighbors.

Demarcus knows it was a close call.

"It is really tough," said Demarcus. "The scariest thing was coming home not knowing my son was OK. Most emotional and scary thing."

Everybody's safe, but everything is gone.

"We just did a little shopping," said Demarcus. "Most of that stuff is gone. Not realizing the small things you need. Toothbrush, socks. Tough losing everything."

The fire has given Demarcus and his kids a new way of looking at life.

"Things can change in a moment. Do not take things for granted," said Demarcus. "Perspective. Life is fragile. Give me the flowers while I'm still here. Goes a long way."

GoFundMe for Demarcus Walker and his family
https://www.gofundme.com/demarcus-kambrel-mace-fire-help