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Panama City Today
By the People, for the People
Family Loses Home After Squirrel Chews Through Electrical Wires Sparking Massive Fire
Residents Donnie Banta and Stacey Davis escaped with their two kids and two pets, but must now rebuild after their Florida home was destroyed.
Published on Feb. 9, 2026
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A Florida family lost their home after a squirrel chewed through electrical wires, sparking a massive fire. Residents Donnie Banta and Stacey Davis, along with their two children and pets, were able to escape safely, but the home was destroyed in the blaze. Firefighters determined the fire was caused by the squirrel's chewing, leading to a short circuit.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the potential dangers of wildlife interacting with home electrical systems, which can have devastating consequences for families. It also underscores the importance of regular home maintenance and inspections to identify and address any potential fire hazards.
The details
According to the residents, Banta heard the breaker flip and then noticed rustling sounds in the attic along with an electrical smell. He woke up his family, and they were able to evacuate safely before the home was engulfed in flames. Firefighters later determined that a squirrel had chewed through the electrical wires, causing a short circuit that sparked the massive fire.
- The fire occurred on the night of January 31, 2026.
- Firefighters responded to the scene and determined the cause of the fire on February 9, 2026.
The players
Donnie Banta
A resident of the home that was destroyed in the fire.
Stacey Davis
The wife of Donnie Banta and a resident of the home that was destroyed in the fire.
Panama City Beach Fire Rescue
The fire department that responded to the incident and determined the cause of the fire.
What they’re saying
“We were all asleep. And I heard the breaker flip in the back. So I got up to see what the noise was, and I heard the sound like rustling in the attic, and I could smell an electrical smell. So I woke everybody up and got out of the house.”
— Donnie Banta, Resident (WMBB)
“We were just scrambling, trying to get everything together and wake everybody up and get them all out.”
— Stacey Davis, Resident (WMBB)
What’s next
The family has set up a GoFundMe campaign to help with immediate needs and the costs of rebuilding their home.
The takeaway
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of regularly inspecting home electrical systems and taking measures to prevent wildlife from accessing and damaging critical infrastructure. Homeowners should be vigilant in identifying and addressing potential fire hazards to protect their families and property.
