Family struggles to recover after Citrus Heights house fire

By Sara Beth Williams–
During a house fire on Sperry Drive on the morning of Aug. 15, Mike Hoffman’s mother suffered severe burns when she could not escape the fire. Now Mike and Angela Hoffman are raising money for their parents, who both suffered injuries during the blaze.

See prior story: Victim hospitalized with major burns after Citrus Heights duplex fire

Hoffman’s father, David Hoffman, was able to escape on his own, but was unable to rescue his wife, Melissa, as the fire spread rapidly. In a video obtained by The Sentinel from Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District, a neighbor said he had tried, but was unable to get into the house through a window to help rescue the occupants.

After hearing reports of an occupant still inside, responding fire crews were able to locate and successfully pull her out. Officials said at the time she was immediately transported to the hospital with critical injuries. David Hoffman also sustained burns and was treated on scene, according to Sac Metro Fire officials.

The siblings established a GoFundMe page in order to raise funds to support their parents. According to the page, after being rescued from the fire, the Hoffmans’ mother suffered significant third-degree burns to over 60 percent of her body.

“Melissa remains in the UC Davis burn unit ICU and will be there for an unseeable amount of time,” Angela Hoffman reported on the GoFundMe page, adding that her mom has undergone skin grafts “with many more to go.” In an Aug. 23 update, Hoffman said her mom was able to be removed from the ventilator and is able to talk, though her voice is fragile.

Fire crews also rescued the family’s dog, Maya. The Hoffmans said Maya was unconscious and badly burned. After firefighters revived her, Maya was rushed to an emergency vet.

“Maya laid on top of Melissa, my mom, and saved her from more severe burns,” Mike Hoffman said on Tuesday, adding that the dog saved his mother’s life.

Following the incident, when Hoffman took Maya to the veterinary hospital, he was given a quote for treatment of over $6,000. Hoffman said just before he decided to take Maya home, veterinarian staff returned and offered to cover the full cost of treatment.

Donations of more than $6,000 have already poured in, edging closer to a $10,000 donation goal. Hoffman reported on the GoFundMe fundraising page that her family suffered over $300,000 in losses, including the house and all of their possessions. Photos in a slideshow show charred belongings on the inside of the home.

In the midst of tragedy, Hoffman said she and her family are thankful for every person who has “selflessly contributed” funds to support her parents’ recovery. Following the contribution from the veterinarian hospital, Hoffman said the breeder, who had previously given them a 4-month-old kitten who died in the fire, gifted the family another 2-week-old kitten.

“These are just two examples of the kindness this family has been given, and we are so incredibly grateful,” Hoffman wrote.

The Hoffman family is still seeking donations. Anyone interested can donate through their GoFundMe page.

Fundraiser disclaimer: The Sentinel urges readers to use discernment in giving money to online fundraisers. Stories on The Sentinel may reference fundraiser pages as sources of information, but The Sentinel cannot assure that funds donated will be applied for the benefit of the person(s) named as beneficiaries.