Fire destroys Wasilla family's home

WASILLA -- Tina Heisa and her daughter Tessa, 18, came home on Wednesday to find their home a smoking ruin -- and wondering where to turn for shelter with winter fast approaching.

According to Battalion Chief Michael Keenan of the Central Mat-Su Fire Department, the cause of the blaze at 4680 Green Street was not suspicious in nature. Although not conclusive, there are indications that it may have been electrical in nature.

Keenan said two tanker trucks, a rescue squad, an ambulance, several command cars and around 23 fire and rescue personnel from three stations responded to the 911 call Wednesday afternoon. Although no flames were visible from the street, a passerby saw smoke rising from the two-story house and placed the emergency call.

Firefighters extinguished the blaze, which had done extensive damage in the first story bathroom and hallway of the house, as well as the stairwell leading to the second floor. Damage to the house was estimated at around $15,000, with an additional $15,000 lost in the contents of the rented home.

"There was significant smoke and heat damage throughout the building," Keenan reported.

Although the family, who did not have renters' insurance on their belongings, was not home when the fire broke out, three family pets perished in the blaze.

"We lost our two cats and my daughter's Pomeranian puppy," Heisa said Thursday, tears in her voice.

"The puppy could stand on his hind legs and clap his front paws. Just precious."

In addition to borough fire and emergency rescue personnel, American Red Cross emergency responders were on the scene within four minutes of receiving the call on Wednesday, according to Mat-Su Red Cross Disaster Action Team Coordinator Jean Harding.

Harding said Red Cross offers services to families who have lost their homes to disaster, including vouchers for two nights' lodging and meals, as well as for two changes of clothing for family members. When families locate a place to stay, Red Cross can pay the first month's rent in the new dwelling.

"Even after that time we continue to work with our fire clients," Harding added. "We put them in touch with churches and community resources in the Valley that can provide additional services."

Heisa said she does own a mobile home that her family could move into, but it is in need of major repairs -- and a place to put it. As of Friday, they were staying at Alaskan View Motel, but she was uncertain where they would be after that.

According to Keenan, the disaster could have been much worse if the family had been home.

"There were no working smoke detectors in the home," he said. "If the family had been asleep upstairs when the fire broke out, they might not have made it out in time."

Individuals who desire to donate money to the Heisa family can do so by contacting any Wells Fargo Bank and depositing the funds into the Heisa Family Fire Fund, using account number 1141034312. Also, Frontiersman's "Hope's Helping Hands" is accepting donations of clothing and other items for the family.