New Homeowners Watch Their House Burn Down Less Than 24 Hours After Move-In: 'Our Whole Life'

Mar. 15, 2025

Elizabeth and Brian Petrie’s home in Mesa, Arizona.Photo:Mesa Fire and Medical Department Facebook

Mesa Fire and Medical Department Facebook

A couple in Mesa, Arizona is recovering from seeing their home burn down less than 24 hours after they moved in.

Elizabeth and Brian Petrie watched flames engulf their new mobile home when they returned from running errands and dropping off their moving truck, reported12 News.

“I couldn’t believe that our home, in a matter of minutes, was gone," Elizabeth told the outlet. “I couldn’t even stand there anymore. I had to go around the corner and sit in the van because I was watching everything burn our whole life.”

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At the time of the fire, Charles Naumann — who helped the couple move in — quickly grabbed their dog and ran outside but received burns to his hand, face and arm.

“I had to come out because the smoke was too thick and the flames were up on me already,” Naumann told 12News.

Although Mesa firefighters initially contained the fire, Elizabeth revealed that their truck “ran out of water,” the outlet added.

“Everything in the home is black. There’s soot everywhere. There’s nothing that’s not covered in soot,” she told 12News.

She added that the home was not insured yet and that they will be rebuilding.

The destroyed home in Mesa, Arizona.Mesa Fire and Medical Department Facebook

Elizabeth also toldFox10 Phoenixthat members of the community had been offering the couple their homes, as well as food.

On Nov. 15, aGoFundMe pagewas set up to help cover expenses.

“Everything they owned was inside the house, except for 2 motorcycles, one of which belonged to Brian and was specifically customized for him to be able to ride,” the description read about Brian, who is a wheelchair user. “They were in the carport area and were damaged. We don’t know yet if they are salvageable.”

Currently, $9,852 out of a $75,000 goal has been raised.

The Mesa Fire Department did not immediately reply to PEOPLE when contacted for details.

source: people.com