St. Petersburg Family Faces Devastation After Weekend House Fire
A family from St. Petersburg, Florida, is grappling with the aftermath of a devastating fire that destroyed their home over the weekend. Residents James Balch and Carly Rush had called a property on 66th Way North home for nearly ten years, but everything changed when a fire erupted unexpectedly.
On the day of the incident, Carly was home alone and taking a shower when her dogs alerted her with their barking. Once she exited the bathroom, she saw smoke filling the living room, indicating that the fire was already severe. Fortunately, no one was hurt during the incident, but the family’s belongings, including cherished items belonging to their 10-year-old daughter, Giavanna, were lost.
James Balch’s New Business Impacted
James Balch recently started his own landscaping business, and he expressed deep concern over the loss of all his work equipment in the fire. The couple reported hearing crackling sounds emanating from the front porch, likely from the gas-powered landscaping devices that may have ignited during the event.
Community Support Rallies Around the Family
Despite the devastation, the couple has found some hope through the support they are receiving from friends, family, and even strangers. Carly Rush conveyed gratitude for the kindness shown to them during this challenging time. The outpouring of assistance has been a source of encouragement as the family navigates their next steps, including searching for a new home.
While the couple is uncertain about how to find a housing solution that fits their budget, the community’s support has provided them with resilience. “Despite everything we’ve lost, it’s heartwarming to see how many people want to help,” said Balch.
Fire Departments Respond
The response to the fire involved multiple firefighting teams including St. Petersburg Fire Rescue, Pinellas Park Fire Department, and Lealman Fire District. These teams worked diligently to extinguish the flames and prevent the spread of the fire to surrounding properties. Unfortunately, a nearby home also sustained damage during the incident.
Investigation Underway
As of now, the exact cause of the fire has not been determined. Fire officials are conducting an investigation to uncover the circumstances that led to this tragic event.
For those looking to assist the family in their rebuilding efforts, there is information available on how to help. The family’s resilience, supported by a caring community, is a testament to the strength that individuals can draw from one another in tough times.
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
