Photo by Michelle Chance

The owner of a home that caught fire last week is asking for help from the community.

Grace Agnes said volunteers willing to clean debris are asked to meet at her home located at 44000 W. Griffis Drive Saturday at 11 a.m.

The bulk of the work includes carrying debris to a large dumpster outside and removing damaged walls. Agnes asked that volunteers bring shovels and gloves, and wear clothing they don’t mind throwing away.

“Come (dressed) prepared for disaster clean-up because you don’t want to take any of that debris home,” Agnes said.

On Sept. 26, fire crews put out a blaze in the second story of the house, eventually preventing the fire from spreading farther into the attic.

As the news broke, fire officials reported a mother and two children evacuated the home without injury. Agnes clarified the woman was not the mother, but Agnes’ niece who was providing childcare for three children when the home caught fire.

“Everybody is safe, everybody is good,” Agnes said.

Maricopa Fire/Medical Department Spokesman Brad Pitassi said firefighters saved a 5-year-old German shepherd who was still in the home during the fire.

“Professor is even doing good,” Agnes said. “The (firefighters) did such a good job with him.”

Agnes said the home was not insured for fire damage at the time of the incident. A GoFundMe donation page has been set up to help fund the rebuild effort.

It is unknown when the damage to the home will be fully restored, but Agnes estimated it could be three to six months.

The dumpster Agnes rented will be on the property for 30 days, but she said donations from the GoFundMe page could help her afford to keep it there longer.

Agnes runs Agnes’ Center for Domestic Solutions. The home in Maricopa provides services to families involved in domestic violence situations.

“Our agency helps victims overcome domestic violence and we are public knowledge,” Agnes said.