FLORENCE, AZ — Jennifer and Jerry Spusta are starting over from nothing after a late-night house fire last Wednesday destroyed their home, many of their animals, and nearly everything they owned.
The cause of the fire is unknown.
Jennifer woke to a hazy room and discovered the hallway fully engulfed in flames. The family — including Jerry, a double amputee — scrambled to escape through windows and a back door, yelling to wake the kids and grab the baby.
“I opened the door and flames were just shooting out. Smoke was billowing in, black smoke. Everything was on fire in the hallway.” — Jennifer Spusta
The family lost many of their animals — including baby emus, baby chicks, a rabbit, tortoises, a dog, and many chickens — along with all feed and hay stores. Jerry’s all-terrain mobility scooter and medical equipment were also destroyed; the scooter allowed him to get around and tinker with cars and motors. Jennifer has run a mobile pet grooming business for ten years and is the family’s primary earner alongside Jerry’s disability payments; her work truck suffered severe damage to the front end and still needs repairs.
Some animals survived, including pigs, goats, burros, a horse, emus, ducks, peacocks, guineas, a handful of chickens, and a cat. All feed and hay stores were lost in the fire, so these animals are in immediate need of care. Their garage shop and shed also made it through, giving them a foothold to rebuild.
How you can help
- Amazon wishlist (mobility scooter, medical supplies, grooming tools): amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/14TLXNXV90MI2
- Financial donations: givesendgo.com/weejogfire
- Tractor Supply gift cards for animal feed — the Coolidge location is offering 15% off purchases related to the Spusta fire. Gift cards are more helpful than physical supplies right now as the family has limited storage space.
- Volunteers for debris cleanup and rebuilding are deeply appreciated
