Hello:

 

Monday afternoon (2022-01-03) a fire started at the residence of Danny (my father), Judy (my mother), and John Rico (my younger brother) at 7218 N 112th Plaza Lot 447, Omaha, Nebraska. Danny and John were home at the time and they both were able to get out safely and call the local fire department. We were very fortunate that John was home at the time to help escort our disabled father, who is 76, out of the home. Judy, Breezy (my older sister), Tammy (my younger sister), and myself were contacted directly after the fire department. The fire started in the shed/tool shop and quickly spread to the main structure of the home. After the fire was successfully put out it was concluded by the fire inspector that it likely started as an electrical fire. The structure was deemed unlivable and in need of demolition due to the extent of the fire damage.

Video 1: Trailer Fire Captured by a Local Aerial (UAS-Drone) Photographer

 

Figure 1: External Fire Damage

 

Figure 2: Internal Fire Damage (1 of 5)

 

Figure 3: Internal Fire Damage (2 of 5)

 

Figure 4: Internal Fire Damage (3 of 5)

 

Figure 5: Internal Fire Damage (4 of 5)

 

Figure 6: Internal Fire Damage (5 of 5), Framed Image of John Rico

 

The Rico family (Danny, Judy, and John) took momentary shelter in a La Quinta hotel Monday night. We then rented a U-Haul and storage unit to salvage everything of value we could from the remains. We then immediately began the search for a more permanent living arrangement they could afford on a monthly basis. Luckily, Wednesday night (2022-01-05) we found a nice apartment that had a 2 bed 1 bath that just hit the market. Upon consensus, we helped them fill out the application/lease agreement that evening. They were approved Friday morning (2022-01-07) and we helped them move in and furnish with essentials (food, beds, toiletries, etc.) Saturday and Sunday (2022-01-08/9). The majority of their belongings were lost, my family lived in that trailer for 20 years, and the fire happened just after Christmas/New Year. All of this has made settling into their new living arrangements especially difficult.

 

Unfortunately, there was no homeowners insurance in place so they will not receive monetary compensation for their loss. Additionally, the fire burned so hot and in close proximity to the neighboring trailer its outer siding melted and needs to be replaced. The neighbor does not have homeowners insurance either. Official estimates for the repair are being acquired.

Figure 7: Neighbor's Trailer Damage (siding melted)

 

In order to end their relationship with the housing management on-site (and stop paying their monthly land lease of $507), they will need to demolition and remove what's left of the residence. The entire weight of all of those expenses along with the neighbor's siding repairs will be their responsibility.

 

We worked to get official estimates from multiple demolition companies in the area between (2022-01-10) and (2022-01-24) so we can pick the most reasonable bidder. After receiving 5 bids for the job, we chose Tyler Allis, of Allis Services Demolition & Wrecking (https://www.allisservices.com/) with an official estimate of $12,980.00 which included 8, 30-yard dumpsters to entirely remove the demolition material from the lot.

Figure 8: Allis Services Demolition & Wrecking Official Demolition Estimate

 

We paid the required 25% of the official estimate in advance ($3,245) and demolition began Thursday (2022-02-03) at 9am.

Video 2: Compilation of the Trailer Demolition

 

Monday at approximately 5pm (2022-02-07) the demolition job was complete, the entire structure was removed, and the lot was cleared off to the satisfaction of the housing management. We still owe $9,735 for the demolition job due no later than +30 days from the end of the project (2022-03-09). Tyler Allis and his company will be traveling to Texas for a big demolition job starting (2022-02-18) and would be in a better place financially if we were able to pay him in full before then, if possible.

 

Figure 9: Remaining Demolition Cost

 

Since our family is low-income, we are hoping to crowdfund the remaining demolition cost of $9,735. If we are fortunate enough to exceed this goal, we will put the additional funds towards repairing the neighbors siding which has been unofficially estimated at $3,000 for full parts and labor.

If you or anyone you know might be interested in helping alleviate this situation for our family, donating* to this GoFundMe and sharing the link with others would be the most impactful way. Please let me know if you have any questions (402-699-8108).

 

On behalf of the entire Rico family, thank you for your support.

-Daniel A. Rico

*each donation is subject to a 2.9% + $0.30 transaction fee (https://www.gofundme.com/c/pricing)