Brandon Twp.- Michelle and Kenny Zanoni left their home around 1:30 p.m. on Monday to pick up their teenage daughters, Angela and Brianna, from school.
Only a few minutes after they arrived at the school to pick up the girls, a neighbor called Michelle to tell her that their home was on fire.
‘I didn’t want to believe it,? said Michelle on Tuesday. ‘All I could think was to get home and grab my dogs? Unfortunately, they are with God now.?
Firefighters responded to the fire in the 3800 block of Cherry in the Clarkston Lakes Mobile Home Park after a neighbor noticed smoke coming from the home. The man approached and pounded on the door of the home and called 9-1-1. Township firefighters arrived at 1:56 p.m.
‘The front bedroom was completely consumed; however, the crews did get a good hit and attack and were able to save the rest of the trailer, but there was a lot of smoke and heat damage,? said Fire Chief David Kwapis. ‘Three beloved and cherished canines lost their lives. Our hearts go out to the family on their loss.?
The dogs, a French Mastiff named Scrappy, and pugs Milo and Munchie, died from smoke inhalation.
The Zanonis were without home insurance due to financial reasons. Kwapis said the home is a total loss due to smoke and heat damage. The Zanonis were able to salvage some blankets and a few items of clothing from the home on Tuesday and are staying with family.
The cause of the fire was undetermined. The family has three space heaters, but said they turned them off before they left.
‘Our daughters lost everything,? said Michelle Zanoni. ‘I appreciate all the help we are getting and God bless everyone for their help. People are coming together to get us clothes and what-not.?
Karyn Milligan, Christian Services Coordinator for St. Anne Catholic Church, said the church will accept donations for the family to assist them in getting back on their feet. Checks can be made payable to St. Anne Church and mailed to the attention of Karyn Milligan at St. Anne Church, 825 S. Ortonville Road, Ortonville, MI 48462. Please put ‘Zanoni family? in the memo line.