Ryan Township Couple Loses Everything In Fire
Neighbors Are Asking Community For Donations
John and Sarah Urban of Barnesville lost everything after a terrible fire completely razed their rural Ryan Township home located at 687 Brockton Mountain Drive in Barnesville, Ryan Township, on Wednesday March 30, 2011. At around 8:20 a.m., Sarah awoke to the smell of smoke, while John, who is currently laid off from work and didn't have home insurance, jumped out of bed and looked in his living room to see his couch “blow-up” in flames. The fire was so far involved, that the couple ran outside barefoot while donning only their boxers and pajamas to escape the growing fire. Despite a quick response from many firefighters and other emergency responders, the home was completely destroyed by the fast moving fire. The fire was so hot that it singed John's mustache and hair as he ran out the door. Nearby neighbors, Jenn Evans, Brian Miller and others, were quick to offer the Urbans immediate clothing and shoes while they stood helpless as they watched their home go up in flames. Neighbors, family members, and friends spent the rest of the day Wednesday going through and scavenging the blackened rubble and debris. In addition to their home, the fire also claimed their metal shed and riding mower. Their vehicle also suffered heat damage. Firefighters also had to keep a constant stream of water onto a heating propane tank located outside the burning home to keep it from exploding. Four of their cats are still unaccounted for. The family is being helped by the Eastern Northumberland and Schuylkill chapter of the American Red Cross and Tamaqua Salvation Army. The Tamaqua Volunteers group and Tamaqua Domino's also donated and dropped-off pizza and drinks to all the neighbors helping during the cleanup. Neighbors and family members are still trying to help the best they can - by accepting all types of needed donations for the fire victims. Since the family lost everything in the fire, to include identification and photo albums, neighbors are asking the community to offer any type of donations to the family, ranging from appliances, furniture, kitchenware, sheets and almost anything that can help their neighbors get back on their feet. Donations can be dropped off or mailed to the neighbor's home of Frank and Carole Syzdek, who are located next door at 691 Brockton Mountain Drive. Monetary donations, made-out to John and Sarah Urban, can also be mailed or dropped off at the Sydek's residents or at the M & T Bank in Mahanoy City. The Syzdek's stress donators to call them first at (570) 467-3744 before dropping off any donations at their home or if they would like to contact the Urbans directly to offer assistance as well as the fire victims' clothing sizes. Firefighters from Hometown, Delano, Brockton, Tuscarora, Mahanoy City, Tamaqua and other companies responded. Tamaqua's Rapid Intervention Team responded and fire police detoured traffic around the area for the duration of the fire. Ryan Township Fire Chief Joseph "Blackie" Kufrovich was in charge of conducting the investigation to the cause of the fire and a cause is still undetermined. The Urbans, and others noted the possible cause to be an electrical outlet behind the couple's living room couch. In addition to their family, neighbors and friends, the Urbans stressed their great appreciation to all the emergency responders who responded. Neighbors stated John and Sarah were lucky to escape with their lives.
OF COURSE, THE BEST DONATIONS ARE MONETARY DONATIONS. BUT ANYTHING IS APPRECIATED.
Monetary donations can be mailed to or dropped-off at the Mahanoy City M & T Bank or:
Frank and Carole Syzdek
691 Brockton Mountain Drive
Barnesville PA 18214.
(Please make checks payable to "John and Sarah Urban".)
ANY other type of donation can be dropped off at:
Frank and Carole Syzdek 691 Brockton Mountain Drive
Barnesville PA 18214.
(Call them first at 570-467-3744 before dropping items off.)