Fires have been sparking throughout the Northern Nevada area, leaving long-lasting impacts on local families. 

The challenges of rebuilding can be daunting for those who have lost their homes. 94-year-old Sun Valley resident, Madge Cutler has to face that as her reality, after a fire destroyed almost everything she had.

July 21 changed Cutler's life. That day, a fire burned two homes, five outbuildings, and three to five acres of land, according to Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue. The cause is under investigation, however officials say it appears to have started in the backyard of a home on Chimney Drive, which is right behind Cutler's residence. The fire spread to her home. 

Cutler has been renting the Sun Valley property for about 12 years and she lives with her daughter-in-law, 74-year-old Melinda Potter. Melinda Potter is also Cutler's caretaker. According to Cutler's son, Roy Potter, the two ladies were at home at the time of the fire.

"I got a call from Melinda and she was frantic then," said Roy. "She said she heard an explosion and something hit the roof. When she stepped out the back of the house, she said that the fire was on all the trees out here and the back of the house. So she grabbed my mom and got her outside of the wheelchair."

Cutler was in her pajamas when she escaped the flames. After fire crews responded, one firefighter was taken to the hospital. Officials say he was able to return to duty later that day. Cutler was also taken to the hospital to make sure she wasn't experiencing smoke impacts. Roy says since the fire she has been in good condition.

Roy cheerfully explained that she still wonders why she can't go home. "She's 94, her mind gets a little sidetracked at times. She's doing very well. She's actually really upbeat." 

According to Roy, the owner has fire insurance and is planning to put another trailer home in place of the burnt remains. Unfortunately, the two ladies did not have renters insurance. Although, Roy says the owner has been generous to the former renters.

However, that still leaves Cutler and Melinda without a home and personal belongings. Only a few keepsakes have been salvaged, but Roy says a lot of items were destroyed, that can't be replaced.

For now, the two ladies are staying at a motel until they find a more permanent solution.

"It's costing them a lot to stay in this motel and it makes it tough for them and they'd like to get into a house or apartment and be settled and have their life back." Roy said. "I mean it's turmoil trying to live out of a bag. That's about all they have because they go out of here with the clothes they have on."

Cutler's granddaughter, Deidra Snider, is hoping to raise funds to help her grandmother with her living situation.

Snider she is thankful for many friends and family members; she says after posting on social media many of them came to the family's aid.

If you would like to donate to Madge Cutler and Melinda Potter you can click here.