Community rallies after fire destroys Hawesville family’s home

Cody and Megan Frailey of Hawesville lost everything in a fire that destroyed their home late Wednesday morning, Feb. 18. Their three children were at school, and the couple was at home when the fire started.

Fire departments from Dukes, Hawesville, Lewisport, South Hancock, Cloverport and Hardinsburg responded, along with the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office and Hancock County Emergency Services. Perry County Fire Department was on standby if needed.

Cody and Megan were asleep when the fire alarm woke them. Megan, who works swing-shift at Commonwealth Rolled Products in Lewisport, was home resting before her next shift while the children were at school. Cody is an independent contractor.

The couple escaped unharmed. Cody went back inside the house twice to rescue their animals and was able to save the dogs, but five cats and several pet lizards were lost.

“It’s just one of those things,” Cody said. “We’re taking it one step at a time, trying to get everything close to normal as we can. It hits us in waves at different times. I’ve put all my work on hold and asked someone to contact my customers to explain our situation. My focus is on the family right now. My wife is still working — she was given time off but chose to return.”

The cause of the fire has not been determined and remains under investigation, Cody said.

“We lost everything — all the kids’ artwork from when they were super young and all of our family photos,” he said. “It was a total loss. I think I’ve only been able to reclaim about five items from the fire.”

On Sunday, Feb. 22, Weber Corner in Hawesville will have a pizza sale and donate part of the proceeds to the family.

Both South Hancock Volunteer Fire Department and Dukes Volunteer Fire Department have been helping the family directly, the Fraileys said.

The Dollar Store in Hawesville and the Hancock County Animal Shelter donated pet food and a crate, and the owner of Weber Corner contributed money, food and clothes.

Several community members and family members have also made monetary and clothing donations. Tell City Fire Department provided a donation of clothes, toiletries and supplies. The American Red Cross is assisting with medications and equipment, and Commonwealth Rolled Products has also offered support.

“We are so very thankful to the community for all the support they’ve shown us,” Cody said. “We had people driving by while our house was still on fire, shoving money into our hands and asking us if there was anything they could do to help. People have stopped to tell me that if I need equipment to help with cleanup, they’re willing to help.”

Megan’s mother, Christie LaFever, traveled from Tennessee to help the family. Friends have been organizing donations. Many others have helped coordinate getting items to them, the couple said.

Cody said they’ve received many clothing donations and are sorting through items to see what they can use. The family is processing what happened and taking inventory so they can let people know what they still need.

The Fraileys are staying temporarily with a family friend. They own the home and land where the fire occurred.

The couple are blessed with three children: Zane, 11; Zavior, 9; and Zephyr, 8.

Anyone wishing to help may call or text Cody Frailey at 270-922-9110. The family said nonperishable food, gift cards, toys and games for the children are appreciated.

South Hancock Volunteer Fire Department will host a chili dinner and bake sale Saturday, March 21 to support the family. To contribute, contact SHVFD Chief Adrian Poyner or Assistant Chief Tim Harper at 270-313-4333. The department has secured ground beef and a kettle for cooking and is accepting donations of ingredients and baked goods.

Those wishing to donate can also message the Hawesville Fire Department Facebook page or the South Hancock page via Messenger.

The benefit will be all-you-can-eat, dine-in or carryout, with donations accepted. A $10 donation includes a chili dinner. The event begins at 4 p.m. at South Hancock Volunteer Fire Department, 12195 State Route 2181 in Hawesville. Proceeds will help the Frailey family rebuild.