Emergency Dispatcher Answers Unthinkable Call From Her Own Children As Their House Burned

Jul 28, 2023

Marisa Anderson, a mom who hails from a quiet town in Forestville, Wisconsin, had dedicated her life to being the reassuring voice on the other end of the line when emergencies struck. As an experienced 911 dispatcher since 2021, she prides herself on helping others and making a difference in her community. Little did she know that one fateful day, she would find herself facing a crisis beyond imagination when her own home was engulfed in a fire.

The morning of June 9, 2023, seemed like any other day at work for the dispatcher. As she was one of only two dispatchers handling various calls and coordinating emergency responses in their hometown, one emergency definitely stood out from the rest. A child's frantic voice repeatedly cried out, "Mom!" on the other end of the call, and her instincts kicked in as she asked for his address.

Trying to comprehend the situation, she realized, to her disbelief, that the voice belonged to her 12-year-old son, Landon Anderson. Panic washed over Marisa as her son urgently conveyed the horrifying situation. Their home was on fire, and he and his older sister, Emma, had managed to escape the flames. The realization hit the mother like a ton of bricks; her world had turned upside down in an instant.

However, Marisa tried to remain composed for the sake of her children. After informing the other dispatcher, she told Landon that help was on the way. She also assured her kids that she would be with them shortly. The next few moments felt like an eternity. While Marisa desperately sought permission to leave her shift, her mind raced with thoughts of her family's safety.

The weight of the situation started to sink in when Marisa got home. Fire trucks lined the streets, and plumes of smoke billowed from her once-happy dwelling. The flames had ravaged everything in their path, leaving all of the family's beloved pets trapped inside.

Despite the heroic efforts of firefighters, the devastating outcome was unavoidable as four cats, three dogs, and a rabbit perished in the blaze. The sense of loss was palpable as Marisa stood amidst the ruins of what was once their cherished home since 2005.

"It’s difficult to walk in my house and see everything burned and charred and smell terrible from the smoke," Marisa told The Washington Post. She added, "The house wasn’t perfect by any means but it was ours.”

The days that followed were a blur of insurance consultations and attempting to salvage what little remained from the charred wreckage. Landon, in his bravery, struggled with the burden of guilt for not being able to rescue their beloved pets. 

“(Landon) has taken it really hard because he feels he could've gone back in to get the pets out,” the mother said.

The family has been leaning on each other for strength, and Marisa said she was unbelievably proud of her children, especially her son who "did exactly what he was taught," per NBC 26.

The investigation later revealed that an old extension cord had caused the fire, a tragic reminder of how easily the unexpected can unfold. Though the road to recovery would be challenging, Marisa and her family faced it head-on, driven by their determination to rebuild their lives. 

They were not alone in their journey, as the community that Marisa had so faithfully served now rallied around her with unwavering support. A GoFundMe was set up for them to help with their recovery. 

Though losing possessions and pets in the fair is tragic, it's a good thing human lives were spared from this tragedy. Do you know someone who has been through a similar experience and survived? Tell them all about this story!