Family drops home insurance to save cash right before fire destroys it

BRACKENRIDGE, Pa. — After a year of mounting bills, family emergencies and other unexpected costs, Regina Strobel and her husband were tight on money. They dropped their homeowners insurance to save some cash, and then a fire destroyed their home.

“All these memories, a roof, walls. They are one thing. It’s the home aspect of it that’s gone in a heartbeat,” Strobel said.

Up until Tuesday, she shared the Brackenridge home with her husband who was home when the flames started.

“He heard a pop, looked through the hallway, saw the flames, grabbed one dog, ran outside barefoot, handed the dog off. And before he could get back in to go after the other pets, it was fully engulfed,” Strobel said.

The family lost everything in a matter of minutes, including fish and five other pets. Investigators said grease may have caused the fire.

“It’s amazing how the whole community stepped up,” Strobel said.

A GoFundMe page was set up for the family, and people have donated bags of clothes, food, household items and even temporary shelter.

Here’s how you can help:

• Donations can be made to the Allegheny Valley Association of Churches
• CLICK HERE to donate to the family’s GoFundMe
• Donate through Venmo at Matt_and_gigi_fire_fund

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