A family of eight has been left homeless after a fire, believed to have been deliberately set, destroyed their two-storey home on Tuesday morning.
The blaze broke out around 09:45h at Lot 347, Glasgow, shortly after the homeowner, 45-year-old New Amsterdam Town Council constable Tricia Wintz, left for work.
“I had just reached work and put down my bag when I got a call. A teacher from my daughter’s school told me she saw smoke and believed it was my house. Shortly after, a friend called and told me to come quickly — the house was on fire,” Wintz said.
By the time she returned, the six-bedroom wooden-and-concrete structure she had occupied for 25 years was fully engulfed. The family lost all household belongings, including furniture, appliances, clothing, and essential documents.
“The furniture, freezer, fridge, stove — everything — wares, beds, all gone. Passports and certificates, everything important is gone,” she said.
Divisional Fire Officer Clive McDonald confirmed that the fire was maliciously set.
Wintz said one of her sons, who is believed to be mentally unstable, was at home at the time of the incident. He has since been detained and taken to the New Amsterdam Psychiatric Hospital for evaluation, she added.
Despite the devastation, Wintz said she was grateful that no lives were lost, noting that her youngest son, who has a disability, was not at home when the fire occurred.
The single mother of eight — seven of whom lived with her — said the loss is particularly painful given past hardship. She previously lost another home to fire between 2005 and 2006 and later received assistance from Food for the Poor to rebuild.
“Thank God for life… it’s not an easy task. I always try my best for my children. Whatever assistance I get, I am grateful,” she said.
Wintz is now appealing for public assistance as she attempts to rebuild her home and care for her family.
Anyone wishing to assist can contact her at 645-5725.
