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Atlantic City Woman Struggles to Rebuild After High-Rise Fire
Lana Mutschler has been homeless for over a month since a blaze destroyed her condo unit.
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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More than a month after a fire ripped through her condo unit in an Atlantic City high-rise building, Lana Mutschler is struggling to rebuild her life. Mutschler, who has lived in Atlantic City for over 20 years, was forced to evacuate her 10th-floor apartment with just her handbag as the flames spread. With her unit and belongings destroyed and no insurance, Mutschler has been relying on friends and temporary housing while repairs are expected to take at least six months.
Why it matters
The devastating fire at the Brighton Towers highlights the challenges faced by residents who lose their homes and possessions in such disasters, especially those without insurance coverage. Mutschler's story sheds light on the need for greater support systems and community assistance for displaced individuals in the aftermath of emergencies.
The details
Mutschler says she woke up on January 14th to smoke outside her window, and then the fire alarm sounded. She raced to escape as flames spread towards her 10th-floor unit, only able to grab her handbag. Hundreds were evacuated, and luckily no one was injured, but Mutschler's home and belongings were destroyed. Without insurance, she is now relying on friends and temporary housing as repairs are expected to take at least six months.
- The fire occurred on January 14, 2026.
- It has been over a month since the fire.
The players
Lana Mutschler
A resident of Atlantic City for over 20 years whose condo unit was destroyed in the high-rise fire, leaving her homeless and struggling to rebuild her life.
Maria Lacca
An Atlantic City City Councilwoman who connected Mutschler with a non-profit organization to provide assistance.
The Hope Foundation
A non-profit organization that donated $1,000 to Mutschler to help her pay for clothing and other necessities, and is also rallying community support to aid her recovery.
What they’re saying
“The first couple weeks I didn't sleep at all, it was horrible. I'm homeless, basically, I have nowhere to go as far as day by day. I have to find a place to stay.”
— Lana Mutschler (CBS News)
“We all step up to the plate to help our community, that's the wonderful thing about Atlantic City.”
— Maria Lacca, Atlantic City City Councilwoman (CBS News)
“I was touched beyond words, my heart was full of gratitude because you never know who's going to be there for you.”
— Lana Mutschler (CBS News)
What’s next
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and the repairs to Mutschler's unit are expected to take at least six months.
The takeaway
This tragic fire highlights the need for greater support systems and community assistance for residents who lose their homes and possessions in emergencies, especially those without insurance coverage. Mutschler's story underscores the importance of disaster preparedness and the role that local organizations can play in helping displaced individuals rebuild their lives.
