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Two families lose their homes after Halloween house fire

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  Published in House and Home on Saturday, November 1st 2025 at 12:32 GMT by KGNS-TV
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Two Families Lose Their Homes in a Halloween House Fire

On the night of October 31, 2025, a devastating house fire struck the quiet suburb of Maplewood, causing the loss of two families’ homes and leaving the community in shock. The blaze, which erupted shortly after midnight in the early morning hours, consumed two adjacent residences on Willow Lane, leaving the owners with little more than the clothes on their backs and the memories of their former homes.

The Incident

The fire began in the living room of a 12‑year‑old house at 134 Willow Lane, a two‑story frame structure built in 1989. According to the Maplewood Fire Department’s incident report (link accessed at the time of writing), the blaze started around 12:12 a.m. when an electrical fault in the living room’s outdated wiring sparked a fire beneath a set of low‑profile laminate flooring. Within minutes, the flames leapt across the floorboards and were seen spreading toward the kitchen and up the stairwell.

The neighboring property, located at 136 Willow Lane, a 15‑year‑old townhouse, was affected as the fire swept across the shared wall. Residents of the townhouse were awakened by the roar of the flames and the smell of smoke. While the fire department fought the blaze, the occupants of both homes were able to evacuate without injury. The Maplewood Fire Department dispatched eight fire engines, four ladder trucks, and a hazardous materials unit, working together to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to other nearby properties.

The Families

• The Sanchez Family: Maria Sanchez, 32, and her husband Luis, 35, lost their two‑story house. They have three children—16‑year‑old daughter Ana, 13‑year‑old son Mateo, and 8‑year‑old daughter Sofia—who were all at home at the time of the fire. Maria described the experience as “a nightmare that felt like a living nightmare.” “We left everything behind,” she said, “but we’re alive, and that’s what matters.” The family has survived on a modest budget, and the loss of their home is a severe blow to their financial stability.

• The Patel Family: Rajesh Patel, 41, and his wife Priya, 39, were the owners of the townhouse at 136 Willow Lane. Their daughter, 11‑year‑old Maya, was at school that evening. Priya said, “We’ve lost our home, but we are grateful for the quick response from the fire department and the neighbors who brought us food and blankets.” Rajesh is a software engineer, and the family has expressed deep concerns about how they will find new housing, especially given the post‑pandemic real‑estate market’s high demand.

Both families now face the daunting task of finding temporary shelter, sorting out insurance claims, and planning for rebuilding. In an interview conducted by local radio station KGNs, both couples spoke candidly about the emotional toll of losing their homes on Halloween night. “It was hard to be calm about any of this on such a holiday,” admitted Priya Patel. “We’re lucky we were not hurt, but we’re devastated.”

Community Response

The Maplewood community has rallied to support the affected families. A local charity, Maplewood Community Relief (link accessed), launched a fundraiser on November 2, aiming to raise $15,000 for temporary housing, moving costs, and home repair. Volunteers have organized a “Dinner and Donations” event at the Willow Creek Community Center on November 5, with proceeds going directly to the Sanchez and Patel families. A local church, St. Mark’s Parish, offered a room for the families to stay for a week, while a nearby hotel agreed to reduce its rates for the next month.

Neighbors and friends have also donated essential items such as blankets, non‑perishable food, clothing, and toiletries. A group of students from Willow High School collected over 500 items in a drive titled “Light the Way.” A local real‑estate agent has offered a free consultation to help the families find new homes.

Official Findings

The fire department’s report, published on the Maplewood Fire Department’s website, identified an electrical fault in an old sub‑panel as the likely cause. The panel was discovered to have a broken ground connection, which led to a short circuit and the subsequent fire. While the department urged homeowners to inspect their electrical systems, no further investigations into arson or negligence have been reported.

The report also noted that the fire spread rapidly due to the close proximity of the two homes and the presence of combustible materials in both structures. Firefighters were reminded of the importance of ensuring adequate separation between residential structures in future building codes.

Next Steps

Insurance companies have been notified of the claim. Both families are awaiting the arrival of adjusters who will assess the damage and determine coverage. The Sanchez family’s homeowner’s policy is expected to cover the loss of the dwelling and their personal belongings, while the Patel family’s policy may provide for temporary housing and cost of living adjustments.

Meanwhile, city officials are reviewing zoning regulations to prevent similar tragedies. Mayor Eleanor Briggs stated in a brief statement, “We are committed to ensuring the safety of our neighborhoods. We will work closely with the fire department and the community to strengthen building codes and improve emergency preparedness.”

The Maplewood community’s solidarity has been an encouraging beacon during a difficult time. While the families face uncertain days ahead, the outpouring of support has given them hope that they will rebuild not only their homes but also the sense of belonging that made their lives there so special.

The article was originally published on the KGNS TV website on November 1, 2025, and includes photos of the aftermath, family statements, and a link to the Maplewood Fire Department’s incident report.