Collier County emergency responder’s home destroyed in fire

A woman who has spent her whole career working to rescue community members in emergency situations is now experiencing one of her own. Now, she needs the public’s help to rescue her and her children after their home was lost in a house fire.

Tatyana “Edie” Louis is a Collier County EMS first responder. She is the one who normally responds to emergency situations. Recently, she was the one being responded to when her family’s home caught fire, and they lost their home and possessions.

Next-door neighbor Bique Rodriguez told us in Spanish it was hard for her to see someone she has known for years lose her home.

“I saw the people coming out, and I saw a woman crying, worried. I’ve known that woman for years,” Rodriguez said. “One guy came out, who barely could speak Spanish, and told me in as many words as he could the clothes on my back are all I have.”

Tall, thick clouds could be seen billowing from Louis’ home into the sky.

“It was one heck of a fire,” neighbor Walter Tyler said.

Tyler told us he couldn’t comprehend what he saw.

“I saw people running all over and stuff. I didn’t know what was going on,” Tyler said. “I was waiting for something to start blowing up.”

Anyone who wants to support the Louis family can make donations at EMS station 71 — 95 13th Street SW — off Golden Gate Boulevard.

Those who know Louis and her family told us she is a hardworking mother of two daughters who works full time and is also a student. Neighbors promised they will do whatever is necessary to help.

“I felt really bad, no one expects a tragedy like this to happen,” Rodriguez said. “No one wishes that on anyone.”