Russell Family House Fire

Hi, my name is Mandy Meister. My niece Ali Russell (Meister) and her family were awoken to smoke alarms on Monday, October 10th.

In February of 2022 Ali married Josh Russell. In July of this year they purchased their first home in Maxwell, NE. They have a 6-year-old daughter, Olivia.

Ali and Olivia were asleep on the 2nd floor of their home, and Josh was asleep on the main level. Ali was awakened by smoke alarms blaring and smoke billowing up through the floor vents. She attempted to find the source of the fire and was calling out for Josh but quickly realized she was trapped upstairs. Ali grabbed Olivia and climbed out the window onto the roof and called 911. They waited on the roof in their pajamas for neighbors who answered her screams for help and came running with a ladder and helped them off of the roof.

Meanwhile, Josh was awoken by Ali's screams and thought his girls were trapped upstairs. He raced to grab a fire extinguisher and attempted to put out the fire. He couldn't get the fire under control and by then the smoke was so thick he couldn't see anything. He ran outside to find help and was relieved to see they were out and on the roof. He was covered in soot and his adrenaline was running high. He ran into the garage for a ladder and helped a neighbor get the hose going.

Once the adrenaline started to fade it became clear that Josh was not okay. He suffered burns on the bottom of his feet, burns in his throat, esophagus, and his lungs. He also severely burnt his eyes and has a long recovery ahead of him. Olivia and Ali were treated for smoke inhalation but are both physically okay.

Josh is a Conductor at Union Pacific and the primary financial support for the family. It is unclear at this time how long his recovery will take and if and when he will be able to return to his work. Ali is a Licensed Massage Therapist, the family had just finished renovating a sunroom on the front of the house for her to start operating a massage business from home. That will no longer be possible.

The cause of the fire was determined to be electrical. There is extensive structural damage to the home as well as smoke and water damage to their belongings. They have had to travel to Lincoln, NE to see a burn specialist and Pulmonologist. Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated towards the expansive list of expenses the family is facing.