ODESSA, Fla. (WFLA) — Zach Williams and his family are devastated after losing almost everything in a fire over the weekend. It happened Saturday evening at the Tuscano at Suncoast Crossings Apartment complex.
“We get a call from a neighbor, frantic… your apartment’s on fire. Your apartment’s on fire,” said Williams.
A spokesperson with Pasco County Fire and Rescue told 8 On Your Side a gas grill on a second-floor balcony caught on fire and spread to the Williams’ home.
“I ditched the car and ran over here as fast as I could..my wife behind me.. and saw it… saw everything up in smoke,” Williams said. “Nobody wakes up and thinks, one day I’ll be there. I don’t even think I’ve processed it.”
Williams is a dispatcher with Hillsborough County Fire and Rescue and says he sees these tragedies every day.
Williams’ family was able to salvage a few things, but most of their personal items were destroyed and they’re staying with family as they work to start their lives over.
The family has made a GoFundMe page where they’ve received more than $15,000 in donations and are thankful for the community’s support.
“People are coming out of the woodworks to help. I can’t stress with words… how thankful we are,” Williams said.