Woman who lost home in fire appreciates support from family, friends, neighbors

By Derek Jordan
Herald/Review
Published/Last Modified on Wednesday, Dec 03, 2008 - 05:14:19 am MST

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SIERRA VISTA — A fund has been established for the mother and daughter whose manufactured home was destroyed in a fire in Hereford last week.

Those who wish to donate to The Mobile Home Fire Victim fund can do so at any National Bank of Arizona. The bank has two locations in Sierra Vista, 1160 E. Fry Blvd. and 25 S. Highway 92.

The fund has been set up by Life in Christ Church.

The victim of the fire, who asked not to be identified, spoke with the Herald/Review about the day the fire destroyed her home.

“A neighbor had called me and told me that my house was on fire,” she said. “I just drove home as fast as I could. Then when I saw the smoke I basically just stopped the car, because I had my daughter with me, and I didn’t want her to see.”

She and her 4-year-old daughter have been staying in a motel since the fire occurred Nov. 25, she said. The Red Cross set up her motel room and provided her with toiletries.

“Friends have offered us places to stay, but we haven’t decided what we’re going to do yet,” she said.

Since the fire, relatives have come to offer their support.

“My family came in from out of town,” she said.

She was still in shock days after the fire, she said.

“I just tried to maintain my composure through it all,” she said.

She and her daughter had lived in the mobile home for nearly three years.

“My grandfather was letting us stay there,” she said.

The cause of the fire has yet to be established, but investigators suspect a space heater may have started it, said Fry Fire District Fire Chief Bill Miller.

“It’s starting to get chilly at night, and people tend to use those instead of their regular heaters,” he said. “We just want to remind everybody … to make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and especially keep them away from combustibles.”

Since the fire, area residents have come forth with donations of clothes and other necessities.

“I just wanted to say thank you for all your love and donations,” she said. “It’s just evidence that God lives in all of us, because of the help that they’ve offered, and that God works through people.”

Herald/Review reporter Derek Jordan can be reached at 515-4680 or by e-mail at derek.jordan@svherald.com.

HOW TO HELP

Those who wish to help by donating money can do so at any National Bank of Arizona and asking for The Mobile Home Fire Victim fund. Anyone wishing to donate clothing or other items can call 515-4680.

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hey Donor YOU JERK wrote on Dec 3, 2008 8:08 PM:

" She is remaining unidentified for reasons that aren't your business! Maybe you should find something else to do with your time. Not everyone is trying to run a scam. You have a judgemental overreactive imagination. She doesn't need help from people like you. Don't donate. It doesn't make a difference. Get a life! "

simplyme wrote on Dec 3, 2008 7:17 PM:

" DONOR! you are pitiful. Of course she wants to remain anonymous, after all "curious" might go looking for her. Did you read his comment? The article didn't say she lost a house, bimbo,it says her home. Home is where the heart is. Sounds like you don't have one and I am sorry for you. From the bottom of my heart I wish mom and daughter the very best and will give what I can. People do some wicked things, a single mom and child are more so vulnerable, more reason for anonymity. They can consider themselves hugged from me. "

DED wrote on Dec 3, 2008 6:50 PM:

" Donor
It may not have been hers, but it was her place to live. Maybe she was paying rent or not, it does not matter. Put the shoe on the other foot. what if it was you? "

Outraged wrote on Dec 3, 2008 4:21 PM:

" To Donor: Why are you so cynical? People have many reasons for not wanting their names published. Shame on you. Besides, she has a young child. There but for the grace of God go I -- or You! "

To Donor wrote on Dec 3, 2008 4:12 PM:

" Way to get into the holiday spirit! Talk about BaHumbug! Get over yourself...here is a 4yr old little girl without her own bed to sleep in or to wake up in on Christmas morning and this is the comment you come up with? WOW! There are Angels on earth and obviously their Angels came to their rescue! God Bless to those who donated without question! "

to Donor wrote on Dec 3, 2008 3:56 PM:

" It sure doesn't sound like you're going to donate. No, she didn't loose (sic) the house, but she lost all the belongings in it and is still displaced. Isn't that enough? And please, tell me what's wrong with wanting to keep your name private when there are such negative people around. No one is forcing or even "expecting" you to donate. The least you could do is show some compassion for someone who's experienced such an unfortunate event. Then again, that's just my opinion. "

Donor wrote on Dec 3, 2008 8:38 AM:

" She didn't loose the house, it wasn't hers. And they are expecting us to donate to someone that wants or remain unidentified? Why because she is making $60K, or is into drugs? "