Community Rallies After Fire Destroys Assistant Principal's Home

WESLEY CHAPEL, FL — Although they lost their home and most of their possessions, an assistant principal at a Pasco County middle school and her family say they're grateful to be alive after a fire tore through their Wesley Chapel home.

Pasco County Fire Rescue was called to the home of Thomas E. Weightman Middle School Assistant Principal Andressa Mira in the 32500 Block of Greenwood Loop in Wesley Chapel around 3:30 a.m. March 24 and found heavy smoke and fire erupting from the roof of the home Mira shares with her husband, Steven, three sons and mother-in-law.

Fire marshals say the fire was most likely caused by electrical wiring in the attic.

Aerial photos shot by Pasco County Fire Rescue show the devastation to the home as the fire tore from room to room.

Fortunately, the family and their two dogs escaped with no injuries.

Mira credits their fire alarm monitoring system for saving their lives. Although sound asleep when the fire broke out, the siren from their alarm system sounded right away. All six family members and their two dogs were able to get out of the house with no injuries before the fire spread to the living areas.

"We're so grateful we had the system. If I can convey one message, it's to get a home monitoring system if you're able," Mira said. "We were out of the house for 10 minutes before the smoke detectors went off. I will never complain about the bill for our alarm system again."

Although the family still has a tough road ahead of them, Mira said they are counting their blessings.

"We are so grateful and humbled by the outpouring of support - gifts as well as emotional support," she said.

Mira said the family was able to salvage some clothes but lost nearly everything else. Mira said it will take about a year to rebuild their home.

A week after the fire, Mira said she still can't believe the beautiful home is gone. The only reminder of the family who once lived there is a concrete patio the Miras added last summer. Mira, who creates and sells personalized apparel and home decor through her online site, Rio Custom Creations, christened the patio by pressing rocks in the concrete to spell out the family's name.

Upon learning about the fire, co-worker and friend Eliza Laureano promptly created a GoFundMe page to raise money for necessities and help the family begin rebuilding their lives.

In a little over a week, friends, co-workers, families of students at Mira's school and complete strangers have donated $18,800.

"The Mira family takes care of so many people unconditionally," commented Stephanie Anderson on the GoFundMe page. "It is our turn to help them through this."

Mira was a bit overwhelmed by the generosity of the community. She's usually the one helping to raise money for others in need or hosting a fundraiser for the Foundation for Angelman Syndrome.

Her son, Dylan, has been diagnosed with the syndrome, a rare neurogenetic disorder that affects about 500,000 individuals worldwide. Children and adults with AS typically have balance issues, motor impairment and debilitating seizures.

"This past week has been extremely difficult and emotional," she said. "I don't wish this on anyone. We are starting all over and, sure it's material things, but it was also the roof over our heads; it was our beautiful home. But we are so thankful for getting out alive and for the outpouring of love and support."

Click here to donate.

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See related story: Family Of 6 Displaced After Fire Tears Through Wesley Chapel Home