Two teenagers escaped unharmed Monday afternoon after their Scottsdale home caught on fire.
Firefighters from Rural/ Metro, Phoenix and Tempe responded to the 2:30 p.m. fire in the 6400 block of East Holly Street, said Mike Clark, a Rural/Metro spokesman.
"The two teens in the homes heard a crackling noise and realized the back of the home was on fire," Clark said. "The good news is they got out and are fine."
Paramedics at the scene checked Reed Miller, 17, and Alexandra Miller, 14, and released them. Owners Rex Miller and his wife were not home at the time of the fire.
Mark Richards, whose mother lives across the street from the Millers, ran
to the burning home to see if anyone was still inside.
"It’s a shame. The home was sold two weeks ago and the new family moved in less than a week ago," Richards said. "They probably lost everything they had."
The family’s cat, dog and bird were saved by the teens, who attempted to call 911 from their home but were unable to because the lines were burned.
Fire investigators were still trying to determine the cause of the fire, Clark said.
Firefighters took about 30 minutes to extinguish the fire, Clark said.
Heat from the fire was so intense it melted the plastic paneling on a home next door.
Immortalella posted at 11:11 am on Thu, Oct 18, 2012.
Actually we didn't realize the house was on fire until we saw the flames crawling through my brothers bathroom window at the back of the house. We also did lose almost all of our material possessions in the fire. However, we are alive and that is the important thing. Sadly we did lose two fish and a frog, and over the course of rebuilding some of our salvageable possessions were looted.
My mother was out with my sister, Natalae, paying for our new couch. My father was at work, and the first to arrive after our neighbor let us borrow her phone. I sadly don't know her name and have no idea how to convey my gratitude for all the help we received from her. I can only say thank you.
Though the paramedics were on site, we (my brother and I) weren't examined by anyone. They seemed to have their hands full with several firefighters that I heard were injured in their attempts to save our home. I am grateful and thank them with all my heart for their heroics. however, the home was too far gone by that point.
I just found this story recently. I had no idea that it was reported at all. I'd like to thank East valley restoration for all their help. We were in great dismay after the fire and unsure of what to do, their help was greatly appreciated.
I would also like to thank East Valley Tribune for acknowledging our tragedy. At that time in my life, having already seen so much loss and disappointment, I thought no one knew or understood. I felt completely alone. Seeing this now gives me reassurance that people out there do care. I hope one day to return the favor for someone in need as I was.
Alle