Yuman's house is blessed a year after fire

December 22 - A year ago, an electrical fire engulfed Maria Hurtado's home and left nothing but ashes.

Hurtado, 83, said she remembers when she woke up in the middle of the night, dazed and confused by the pounding on the windows and doors by her neighbors.

"I was alone and it was a miracle that I was saved," Hurtado said in Spanish.

Now her house has been completely rebuilt and she's been living in it for three months.

Family, friends and neighbors filled Hurtado's home for celebration and a blessing from the Rev. Gustavo Benitez of Immaculate Conception Parish Church.

"I'm so happy and I appreciate everyone who helped me," Hurtado said with teary eyes.

She said she gives special thanks to Yuma's Fraternal Order of Eagles auxiliary, which raised more than $1,000 to help buy new furniture and appliances.

Hurtado said she has been living at the site for almost 36 years, since she immigrated to the United States from Mexico.

Hurtado has four daughters and one son.

"We all grew up here and it's always been a full house," said Miguel Angel Hernandez, Hurtado's son who visited from Tampico, Tamaulipas, Mexico.

Kids were running around, there was a table full of food, and laughter echoed through the new Hurtado house Saturday.

"This house means a lot to us," said Carmen Hernandez, Hurtado's daughter who came to visit from Tucson. "This is our first home."