Lehigh Acres family speaks after losing home and pet in Christmas Day fire

LEHIGH ACRES, Fla. —

A Lehigh Acres family is picking up the pieces after a Christmas Day house fire destroyed their home, killed one of their dogs and wiped out nearly everything they owned, including their children’s holiday gifts and school supplies.

Justin and Brittany Elrod said the fire unfolded quickly and without warning. Brittany Elrod said she first realized something was wrong when she saw smoke and tried to check her home security cameras, only to find them offline.

“I knew instantly it was my house,” she said.

By the time the couple arrived, the home was already engulfed in flames. Four of their dogs were still inside. Brittany Elrod broke a window and went into the burning house before firefighters arrived, trying to rescue them.

“I tried everything I could to get all four of them out,” she said, becoming emotional. “I blame myself for not being able to get the fourth one, because I could hear her crying, but I couldn’t get to her. I couldn’t find her.”

Justin Elrod followed her inside but was overwhelmed by smoke. He said firefighters had to carry him out and stopped him from reentering the home.

“I was in hell and smoke,” he said. “They carried me out. I tried to go in the back door again, and they carried me out again. It was a losing battle for both of us.”

Firefighters later found one of the dogs behind a couch in the living room. The dog did not survive.

If not for neighbors who called 911, the family believes the outcome could have been even worse.

“My kids lost all of their Christmas stuff, all of their school stuff, clothes — everything is gone,” Brittany Elrod said.

Inside the home, the damage was extensive. The family said 12 years of memories were destroyed in a matter of minutes.

Investigators said the fire was caused by an electrical issue. The Elrods said they believe it was because of their Christmas lights.

Despite the loss, the Elrods said they are trying to remain strong.

“I just feel like nobody deserves what happened to us,” Brittany Elrod said.

Justin Elrod praised his wife’s actions, calling her a hero.

“She went in before anybody — before firefighters, before police,” he said. “They all stood there and watched her bust that window out and go in. She’s the hero in my book.”

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