House fire displaces family of 3

WORLAND — Red Cross of Wyoming assisted two adults and one child affected by a house fire on Holly Avenue in Worland on Friday, April 8.

Red Cross assistance can provide care, comfort, mental health and health services, disaster supplies, lodging, and assistance for other immediate needs. Further assistance will be provided as needed. 

The Worland Fire Department was called to 300 Holly Avenue for a house fire at 5:37 p.m. on Friday.

According to the WFD, “Upon arrival a garage and much of the home was fully involved. Crews made an aggressive attack and were able to prevent a total loss of the structure as well as protect exposure to other structures.

“Unfortunately, a family pet cat succumbed to injuries sustained in the fire.”

According to the Washakie County Assessor Map Server, the home is owned by Maria Deniz and Luis Deniz.

Worland Fire Chief Chris Kocher said that there were three family members living in the home, but none were inside at the time of the fire.

Kocher said that while performing a primary search, attempting suppression, firefighters found the family cat, removed it to the outside and attempted quickly to revive it but were unsuccessful.

Maria Deniz said she was living in the home with her son Luis and grandson Luis V. Deniz. She said the family cat they got when her grandson, who is 9, was 3 years old.

Kocher said the cause of the fire was due to a failed water heater vent connection located in the trailer house. He said the connection had come loose.

“From there it ignited combustibles into the ceiling and void space, as well as other combustibles,” Kocher said.

Kocher said 13 firefighters were on scene with 2 engines, a ladder truck and two command units. The Washakie County Sheriff’s Office, Worland Police Department and Cody Regional Health ambulance crew assisted at the site.

Crews were on site until 8:48 p.m.

Kocher encourages residents to check their connections to their hot water heaters. Make sure connections are fastened and taped to ensure they stay in place in case they are bumped.

“The home will be a total loss. Most generally trailer houses are. There are some items that the family will be possibly able to salvage,” Kocher said. Clothing, living materials are a total loss along with the vehicles in the garage.

Deniz said her son retrieved a gun case and a lockbox as soon as the fire department allowed him entry. They have not been in the house since to see what else is salvageable. She said they are waiting on the insurance adjuster first.

Maria Deniz said they are staying with her daughter and they have a lot of family support in the area. She said while she appreciates people reaching out wanting to donate items, currently they do not have a place to store anything.

Firefighter and Blair’s owner Brandon Yule is organizing Blair’s gift cards for the Deniz family. Yule posted on Facebook that Maria said they do need food and blankets. Anyone interested in helping them out, can text Yule at 431-2206. He will be organizing some Blair’s gift cards.

Also if anyone wants to Venmo money for a Blair’s Gift Card, they can do so to @Brandon-Yule, please comment “Deniz” in the comment section.

Yule said, “I would like to keep this strictly for gift cards, as this is what the family is asking for primarily.”

She said she would like to thank everyone for their prayers and support.