A GoFundMe has been set up for a Castaic teacher and a single mom of twins, whose house was devastated by fire in an incident involving a firework Sunday evening.

Around 7:45 p.m. Sunday, firefighters responded to a house fire in the 31900 block of Quartz Lane in Castaic.

“Barbara Olesen is a beloved neighbor and dedicated school teacher in Castaic who has always given so much to others,” friends and family wrote in a GoFundMe.

Oleson’s life was turned upside down when a sky-rocket firework landed on her property Sunday evening, sparking a devastating fire. 

The flames spread rapidly, engulfing her backyard and gutting parts of her home.

Firefighters quickly arrived on scene and worked to extinguish the flames, but not before many of her belongings and much of her home were destroyed.

“As a single mother of twin boys, Barbara has faced many challenges, but this tragedy has left her without a safe place to call home,” the GoFundMe read. “To make matters even more difficult, Barbara did not have fire insurance at the time of the incident, leaving her with the overwhelming task of rebuilding from scratch.”

Friends and family are hoping the community can find it in their hearts to donate to help her rebuild.

“We are coming together as a community to help Barbara rebuild her life and her home,” friends said. “The funds raised will go directly toward reconstructing her house and repairing the extensive damages caused by the fire. Every donation—big or small—will make a meaningful difference in helping Barbara get back on her feet.”

To donate to the GoFundMe, click here. 

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