MESA, AZ – A family’s dream of a fresh start was shattered when a devastating fire consumed their new home, leaving them with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Liz and Brian Petrie had just moved into their new mobile home last month, hoping to build a new life, when tragedy struck.
The fire, which erupted unexpectedly, destroyed everything the couple owned. From cherished family heirlooms to essential everyday items like furniture and clothing, the flames left nothing unscathed. The Petries, caught between insurance policies at the time of the disaster, now find themselves without a safety net.
“We have no place to go and no resources to rebuild,” Liz Petrie lamented. The couple’s situation is further complicated by the financial burdens that continue to pile up. They are currently staying in a motel, grappling with a monthly lot lease of $1,100 on a home that no longer exists.
The fire began in the kitchen, quickly spreading through the house. Despite the rapid response of dozens of firefighters, the flames were too fierce to be contained in time. Liz recalls the horrifying sight of their home engulfed in flames, hoping in vain that the fire department might save it.
The family had been in the process of securing insurance for their new residence. However, due to the age of the mobile home, insurers required certain updates and inspections that the Petries had not yet completed. This left them in a precarious position when the unthinkable happened.
In the aftermath, Liz and Brian are not only dealing with the emotional toll but are also facing the harsh reality of financial strain. With Brian as the sole breadwinner, they are struggling to make ends meet while searching for a new place to live.
Despite the overwhelming challenges, the Petries hold onto hope. They have set up a crowdfunding campaign to help with their mounting expenses and are reaching out to the community for support. “Our whole life was here,” Liz said, expressing a plea for assistance as they navigate this difficult time.
The cause of the fire has been identified as electrical, originating from the kitchen. The couple is now urging others to ensure their homes are up to code and fully insured to prevent similar tragedies.
As Liz and Brian continue to piece together their lives from the ashes, they remain optimistic that a miracle might help them find a new beginning.