Mom Dies, Son Saves Sister In Maricopa Fire
Boy, 3, Credited With Pulling Girl To Safety
POSTED: 9:28 am MST November 20,
2009
UPDATED: 1:30 pm MST November 20,
2009
MARICOPA, Ariz. -- A mobile home fire claimed the life of a 22-year-old mother Friday morning and severely burned her 1-year-old daughter and the youngster's aunt, the Pinal County Sheriff's Office said.The blaze broke out at about 8:30 a.m. at the structure in the Pinal County community of Maricopa south of Phoenix.Fire crews found the girl's mother, Michelle Mariano, 22, lying near a doorway of the mobile home, Maricopa Fire Department spokesman Brad Pitassi said. She was identified by sheriff's spokeswoman Lt. Tamatha Villar.The girl suffered severe burns over 36 percent of her body, deputies said. Her aunt, Michelle Mariano, 28, suffered burns over 70 percent of her body. Both were flown to the Arizona Burn Center at Maricopa Medical Center.The youngster's 3-year-old brother is credited with helping get her out of the home, deputies said.A fourth victim, a man in his 40s or 50s, suffered superficial injuries.The cause is still under investigation and the arson unit from the Phoenix Fire Department is assisting in the investigation.Authorities said the fire does not appear to be suspicious.The Grand Canyon Chapter of the American Red Cross is helping the family with food, shelter and clothing.
Copyright 2009 by KPHO.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved.
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