By: Diana Johnsen
djohnsen@kcautv.com
For Pat and Tammy Ernster of Yankton there's nothing left but rubble and ash of their home.
On Monday a fire tore through their mobile home, destroying everything in its wake, including seven of the family's beloved pets.
"That's our biggest thing. We move around a lot, and they come everywhere. They were our babies," said Tammy.
But there was at least one silver lining.
Neither Pat nor Tammy was home at the time of the blaze, something they're very thankful for.
"She could have actually been in it," said Pat about is wife. "But she comes to meet me every day for lunch. We have a friend who's a deputy sheriff who called me and her and told us. We got home right away."
The Ernster's do not have insurance on the home, so they are staying with family until they can get back on their feet.
But, they hope to get a new home in their old spot as soon as possible.
"We talked to the lot owners. They're willing to let us keep our spot. We're just trying to find another place to move in here," said Pat.
A fund has been set up at Wells Fargo Bank in Yankton. Anyone who would like to make a donation can ask for the Brian Trusty or Tammy/Pat Ernster Fund.
