Life can change in a heartbeat.

And we never know when it’ll happen.

For Tim Zeigler of Hometown, it happened at 4:59 a.m. Wednesday when he was awakened by the loud screech of a smoke alarm.

“I jumped up, ran into the hall and the first thing ... I saw an orange glow,” he said Wednesday afternoon, still trying to collect his thoughts and process what had taken place at the home he shares with his mother and where he loves to decorate for every holiday.

The fierce glow of the flames and the heat were coming from the rear den, said Ziegler, an employee of Tamaqua Borough. He knew he had to act fast.

“I ran and got my mother up.”

It took only seconds for Ziegler and his mother, the former Renae Nelson, to round up two dogs and flee through a front door, part of which melted from the heat of the inferno.

They escaped with the clothes on their back, but still missing a pet cat, which fortunately turned up safe four hours later.

Outside in the darkness, Ziegler dialed 911. He said first responders arrived in a flash.

“My mom and I can’t say enough about Hometown Fire Company. They were here in just a few minutes. They were amazing.”

Firefighters did their best to quickly extinguish the blaze, believed to be electrical in origin. In fact, the exterior of the house appears intact, showing little or no damage.

But looks are deceiving. Inside, a sizable portion of the house is gutted, particularly the den and kitchen. Charred and ravaged. Other areas sustained water and smoke damage. The Zieglers realize they escaped what could have been a horrible tragedy.

It all just seemed to happen so fast, they said.

They also expressed gratitude for support extended by neighbors.

“Linda and Gary Fiorelli were here right away and offering help. And so was Amy Houm. John Burns, the fire marshal, lives right down the street and was here in moments. He was a big help,” said Renae.

By late morning, the embers had cooled. The Zieglers sifted through charred remains inside what was a tenderly cared for brick ranch house at 77 Lafayette Avenue.

Damage is so extensive that the future of the dwelling is uncertain.

“We’re waiting to hear back from the insurance company. We don’t know if this can be saved,” said Renae.

Still, there are reasons to be grateful.

Both occupants escaped unharmed along with the pets.

“And I was lucky that I still have the family photos,” said Renae.

Still, she was trying to process what had just taken place a few hours earlier, realizing that her most basic needs are unable to be met at the moment.

“I need to get my medicines filled. And I don’t even have a toothbrush.”

Both Renae and Tim were unsure where they’d be staying Wednesday night.

“I’m still trying to figure out what to do,” said Tim, his face blackened by soot from picking through charred possessions.

He said he’d place the pets with relatives for now, a temporary move until he gets his life straightened out.

Renae said she hopes everything will turn out good.

“We have insurance so we shouldn’t be in bad shape.”

But it’s just so early and there are many questions.

A representative of their insurance company indicated they’d find a house for the two to stay in, Renae said.

Their immediate need is for toiletries - men’s and women’s - or perhaps gift cards to allow them to buy what they need. It’ll be a first step in a new direction.

Anyone wishing to help can contact the Zieglers at 570-728-3228.