Mother Lost in Maricopa Fire Remembered

It's an amazing tale -- a 3-year-old is able to carry his 1-year-old sister out of their burning mobile home. But the tale ends in the tragic death of their mother.

Michelle Mariano, 22, didn't survive the fire.

The city of Maricopa joined together Sunday to help the family, who lost all their belongings in the fire, rebuild. They didn't have insurance.

On Friday morning, Mariano lost her life while trapped inside the burning mobile home. But her 3-year-old son Jalen was able to pull his baby sister Eden to safety. Eden was taken to the hospital with burns to 45 percent of her body.

Family and friends came together to raise money for the family, accepting donations and remembering Michelle.

Strangers dropped off blankets and clothing, along with cash. The kids have nothing but the clothes they were wearing the day of the fire. Even two days later, there is still smoke rising from the ground where the mobile home once stood.

Stacey Yarberry helped build a memorial to remember her cousin Michelle. Right now, she says her family's priority is taking care of Michelle's kids.

The children's aunt, Marion Mariano, was burned over 18 percent of her body and in currently in critical but stable condition. A fourth victim, an uncle in his 40's or 50's, suffered minor injuries.

Investigators say the fire was caused by a candle that was knocked over inside the home.

Michelle Mariano Memorial Fund
Wells Fargo Acct # 5764928163

Donations can also be made at the Pinal County Justice Foundation.