The community is rallying around a Spencerville (between Burtonsville and Olney) woman after her home was completely destroyed in a large overnight fire early Sunday morning, leaving her with a total loss and decades of memories gone. A GoFundMe fundraiser has been stated to help with recovery efforts.
As previously reported, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service crews were dispatched around 12:40 a.m. Sunday, January 11, to the 15800 block of Phillips Oaks Drive, off Spencerville Road, for an automatic fire alarm. Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire conditions in a large single family home. By 1:06 a.m., the fire had spread throughout the structure, leading to a partial collapse and forcing crews into defensive operations using an aerial tower ladder pipe. More than 50 firefighters responded to battle the blaze.
In a later update, MCFRS said the fire originated outside the home under a rear deck in a chicken coop, with a heat lamp believed to be the likely ignition source. Damage is estimated at $1 million. The lone occupant safely escaped after hearing a noise and seeing fire involving the deck, then went to a neighbor’s home to call 911. No injuries were reported, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Since the fire, neighbors, friends, church members, and community members have stepped up to support the homeowner, Cindy, who lost everything in the blaze. A GoFundMe fundraiser established two days ago to help her recover has raised just over $2,100 toward a $16,000 goal as of this Wednesday afternoon.
According to the fundraiser, the home was filled with decades of family history, faith, and memories. In a matter of moments, those belongings were lost, leaving Cindy facing the emotional and financial challenge of starting over. The GoFundMe highlights that she survived thanks to the quick and selfless actions of neighbors who helped her escape in the freezing overnight conditions.
While insurance is expected to assist with some rebuilding costs, it does not cover many immediate and ongoing needs. The fundraiser notes that support is needed for temporary housing, clothing, furniture, personal belongings, storage, insurance deductibles, and other unexpected expenses that come with a loss of this scale.
The family shared that Cindy has long been someone who gave generously to her family, church, neighbors, and community whenever she could. They say they have been humbled by the outpouring of support and the number of people asking how they can help during this difficult time.
Organizers say donations, shares, and prayers are all meaningful ways to support Cindy as she begins the long recovery process. The fundraiser can be found here.
