Single mother loses home, family dog in fire as investigators work to determine cause
Dec 21, 2022, 8:51 AM | Updated: 8:52 am
HOLLADAY, Utah — Rikki Curtis is hugging her 12-year-old son a little tighter after losing their home and family dog in an overnight house fire Saturday.
The two were not home at the time but learned of the fire after multiple missed calls.
“I just knew something was wrong and when I get to my neighborhood, the street was blocked off,” Curtis said.
Firefighters with the Unified Fire Authority received a call from a neighbor early Saturday morning, saying they had heard glass shattering in the house next door along Wander Lane. When crews arrived they worked quickly to put out the flames, which started in the living room.
“They found him at the back door because he knew he had to get out.”
At 10p, hear from a single mom and her son about losing their dog and forever home in an overnight fire.
Plus, why fire investigators say these types of tragedies happen more often this time of year @KSL5TV pic.twitter.com/lcSc11RI7L
— Ashley Moser (@AshleyMoser) December 21, 2022
The family’s dog Enzo did not make it out alive and died of smoke inhalation.
“They found him at the back door because he knew he had to get out,” Curtis said. “We love him so much and really was my emotional support dog.”
The family moved into the rambler-style home last December. Investigators say the first level is a total loss with damages estimated at $150,000. Curtis is heartbroken they have lost their forever home.
“Finally I felt settled and I made this a beautiful place and space and it wasn’t easy,” she said. “In an instant, everything that you’ve ever valued changes and you don’t value it anymore, it’s just stuff and I still have my son. I don’t know what I would do without him.”
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, according to the Unified Fire Authority.
Curtis and her son are staying at a hotel until they can get back on their feet. Friends have set up a GoFundMe* to help with expenses as the mother and son try to rebuild their lives.
*KSL TV does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
