WALZ

Posted by Cathy Gowdy on Monday, May 22, 2006 at 05:42:37 :

Independent Journal
Monday, July 17, 1972
page 1

Mother Of Four Perishes In Fire; $40,000 Damage

A 41-year-old housewife burned to death today in a blaze which swept through her Terra Linda home.

Helen M. Walz died in the fire which totally gutted the home of 731 Del Ganado Road. Her three daughters rushed to safety after being awakened by Lady, the family's black mongrel dog.

Terry Walz, 19, told firemen she saw a glow coming from the first floor of the house as she fled to a neighbor's home with her younger sisters Karen, 9, and Helen, 11.

According to firemen, Mrs. Walz was asleep on a couch in the family room near the kitchen when the fire broke out.

Her husband, Lt. Col. Charles Walz was notified at Fort Mead, Md.

A son, Ivan, was staying with friends.

The fire was reported by Mrs. Thomas Joyce of 745 Del Ganado Road at 5:32 a.m. Terra Linda firemen found the east side and front of the house in flames. The fire was brought under control in 20 minutes with assistance from an engine company of the San Rafael Fire Department.

The cause of the fire was under investigation today. Terra Linda Fire Chief George A. Walser said that Mrs. Walz may have fallen asleep after starting some early-morning cooking. A short circuit in the television set may have caused the fire.

Damage to the house and contents is estimated at $40,000.

Funeral arrangements are pending at Keaton's Mortuary.