BARSTOW, Calif. (VVNG.com) — An 81-year-old Vietnam War veteran and his daughter lost their longtime Barstow home to a fire earlier this week, and family members are now asking the community for support during the difficult recovery process.
According to Christina Crain, John Crain Sr., a retired United States Marine Corps veteran, and his daughter, Sherry, were inside their home on Monday, April 7, 2025, when they heard a loud pop near the kitchen door around 11:00 a.m.
Upon investigating, John noticed flames outside the home and attempted to extinguish the fire. However, the flames quickly intensified and became uncontrollable.
The Barstow Fire Department responded to the scene. John, Sherry, and the family’s dachshund, Max, were able to escape safely without injuries, Christina Crain said.
The home, located in Barstow, has been a part of the Crain family’s life since 1983, when John and his late wife, Masako, returned to the United States from Okinawa, Japan. While the garage survived the fire, authorities have deemed the main structure unsafe to enter, according to the family.
Preliminary information from fire officials suggests the fire may have been caused by an electrical short, with the loud noise possibly resulting from an overheated propane tank explosion on a barbecue grill, Christina said.
Compounding the loss, the family was uninsured at the time of the fire. According to Christina, John’s homeowner’s insurance policy with State Farm was canceled on February 28, 2025, after the company notified him of a significant premium increase.
John had been exploring alternative insurance options while simultaneously preparing to sell the home and relocate to Washington State with another daughter, Kathaleen.
Currently, John and Sherry are staying with relatives, including family members John Jr., Christina, their children, and John Jr.’s former wife, Monique, as they await clearance to begin cleanup and determine whether the property can be rebuilt or must be demolished.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched by Christina Crain to help the family cover emergency expenses and potential rebuilding costs. “We are coming together to maintain a positive outlook and work through this devastating loss,” she said.
Those wishing to contribute can visit the GoFundMe page titled “Help John Crain Sr. Rebuild After House Fire.”
