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Fire officials have confirmed that a 22-year-old mother has died this morning in a mobile home fire at Ralson Road and State Route 238, about  four miles west of Maricopa.

The mother's 1-year-old child and her 28-year-old aunt were flown to a Valley burn center with life-threatening burns, according to MFD spokesman Brad Pitassi. Fire officials say a 3-year-old cousin pulled the 1-year-old to safety.

The mother died in the fire after being trapped inside the home, said Lt. Tamatha Villar, spokeswoman for the Pinal County Sheriff's Department. Villar said the family works on the farm where the mobile home is located. She said it's still unclear how the fire was started. 

Crews were called just after 8 a.m. “This was a very hot fire, and it burned very quickly,” Pitassi said. Four other fire agencies are investigating the fire.

Photo by Michael K. Rich

• omg..so sad (garden glow)
• my heart is breaking for this family! you all are in my prayers! (bankchick83)
• for those that want to help...Drop clothing off at UPS Store for Mariano children or donate at any Wells Fargo (MaricopaMedic)
• MaricopaMedic, i dont have any clothes to donate, but did anyone set up a bank account for them? (bankchick83)
• Bankchick, yes there is an account being set up. Also, a store has donated clothing and linens to the family. American Red Cross is also taking care of them as well. Thanks to everyone who can help! (D-Dub)
• This is heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. (ana r)
• Friends of the family will be holding a car wash at Auto Zone Sunday, 11/22, from 11am to 4pm to help raise funds for the funeral of Michelle Mariano. Please stop by and help this family out in their time of need. (cdpedro)