A Santa Clarita woman who has spent years helping others during emergencies is now facing a devastating loss of her own, after a house fire destroyed her longtime home and claimed the life of her dog.

Karole Kopecky, an administrator for a local Santa Clarita Valley emergency information group, has had her entire life upended by the disaster, neighbors told KHTS. The fire moved quickly, leaving her with little more than the clothes on her back.

The fire was reported at about 8:14 p.m. Friday evening, described as a mobile home fully engulfed in flames in a neighborhood at 20400 block of Soledad Canyon Road, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Firefighters made an aggressive attack on the blaze that overtook every part of Kopecky’s home, working to contain and extinguish the flames while protecting nearby homes and structures. There was no damage to adjacent structures and no firefighters were injured during the incident, according to Chad Chebbi, spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

 

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The cause of the fire has not yet been released, and investigators are continuing their review of the incident, according to Chebbi.

Tragically, one of her dogs, a boxer, was inside the home and did not survive. The loss comes during an already heartbreaking week for Kopecky, who had just picked up the ashes of her other dog days before the fire, neighbors said.

Chebbi confirmed that one dog was found deceased at the scene and that one cat remains unaccounted for.

Jade Aubuchon | KHTS News

Chebbi estimated the damage to the home at approximately $200,000. Without homeowners’ insurance, friends say Karole now faces significant financial and emotional challenges as she works to secure housing, replace basic necessities, and begin rebuilding.

“It’s moments like these when life tests us beyond our limits, stripping away everything we thought was secure,” wrote fundraiser organizer Martha Aguilera. “But amidst such tragedy, we are a community ready and willing to help one another rise up from the ashes. Karole has always been there for others, helping in times of need, so now it’s our turn to be her pillar, especially when she needs us most.”

The fundraiser is intended to help cover immediate needs, such as temporary living expenses, clothing, food, and other essentials, as well as longer-term recovery costs. Organizers say every contribution, no matter the size, can make a meaningful difference during this difficult time.

“Every dollar counts—they might seem small compared to the mountain of challenges ahead, but they add up and can make an enormous difference,” Martha wrote.

Those unable to donate are encouraged to share the fundraiser or offer support in other ways as Kopecky begins the process of healing after the devastating loss of her home and beloved pets.

For more information on how to help, visit the fundraiser page here.

KHTS FM 98.1 and AM 1220 is Santa Clarita’s only local radio station. KHTS mixes in a combination of news, traffic, sports, and features along with your favorite adult contemporary hits. Santa Clarita news and features are delivered throughout the day over our airwaves, on our website and through a variety of social media platforms. Our KHTS national award-winning daily news briefs are now read daily by 34,000+ residents. A vibrant member of the Santa Clarita community, the KHTS broadcast signal reaches all of the Santa Clarita Valley and parts of the high desert communities located in the Antelope Valley. The station streams its talk shows over the web, reaching a potentially worldwide audience. Follow @KHTSRadio on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.