http://www.goodworksinc.org/gene

On Christmas Eve, Good Works homeowner Eugene (Gene) Sabbi lost his home in a devastating fire due to a mishap with his wood burning stove. He received 2nd degree burns to hands and arms and lost his dog Elsa, a one-year old boxer pup in the inferno.

According to eye witnesses, the old timber home was engulfed in flames within 4 to 5 minutes. Gene lost everything in the blaze and is temporarily living with his daughter in a local mobile home park. Good Works, Inc was in the process of the repairing his home earlier in the month and news of the fire came as a shock to everyone involved.

Had Gene not been in the hospital being treated for burns he received in the fire, this is what would have greeted him on Christmas morning.

The charred remains of his home were a stark reminder of the terror he experienced the day before.

It is difficult to imagine losing everything....your home, your furniture, your photographs and important papers...everything!

Gene is a 75 year old Chester County native and served his country in the Pennsylvania National Guard as a young man.

Good Works has completed clean-up of the site and is initiating construction of a new home for Gene on the property. Engineering analysis, architectural plans, and building permits have been approved. The new, two bedroom, single story design will sit atop the original foundation and provide Gene a safe, secure and energy efficient home.

This is no small feat and we are calling on all Good Works supporters and friends of the Sabbi family to help “crowdfund” the project.
Together, we can raise the $45,000 to build a new home for Gene. Select the blue DONATE NOW button and you will be linked with our partner, FirstGiving.com to securely process your generous gift

THE INCIDENT:

At 11:40 AM, KVFD, with multiple other surrounding fire companies, was dispatched to assist the Sadsburyville Fire Co., with a working structure fire at a residence in the 500 block of Old Wilmington Road in Sadsbury Township, Chester County, PA. Sadsbury Township police on scene reported that the log home was fully involved with one injury to a civilian.

KVFD responded with Deputy 8, Ambulance 8-1, Ladder 8, Engine 8-2, Engine 8-3, Squad 8-1, Traffic 8, and Utility 8. Upon arrival Deputy Chief Gathercole learned that a resident was reported to be suffering a burn injury and there was no one believed to be in the structure, so operations were limited to exterior only with a imminent risk of collapse. During suppression there was a partial collapse with a full collapse soon thereafter.

KVFD crews assisted on-scene until cleared at 1:00 PM. West Grove EMS and Oxford's Union Fire Co., provided standby coverage for the District at the Central station while we were committed.

The victim was transported to Paoli Hospital by Ambulance 8-1.

The fire is under investigation by State Police and County fire marshals. We aren't aware of any firefighter injuries.

Additional information will be released by them and/or Chief Grossman of the Sadsburyville Fire Company.

Photos credit: Career Supervisor Mike Edwards, and PIO Mango.