New Year’s fire claims 200-year-old home
Investigation turned over to fire marshal
Photo courtesy of Mifflintown Hose Co. No. 1<br> Seven area fire departments battled the fire at the Hudley family home in McAlisterville on New Year’s Day.
Submitted photo<br> An early morning fire destroyed the Hudler family home in McAlisterville on New Year’s Day.
Photo courtesy of Mifflintown Hose Co. No. 1<br> Seven area fire departments battled the fire at the Hudley family home in McAlisterville on New Year’s Day.
Submitted photo<br> The family Bible is shown within the rubble remains at the Hudley’s home.
Photo courtesy of Mifflintown Hose Co. No. 1<br> Seven area fire departments battled the fire at the Hudley family home in McAlisterville on New Year’s Day.
Submitted photo<br> An early morning fire destroyed the Hudler family home in McAlisterville on New Year’s Day.
Photo courtesy of Mifflintown Hose Co. No. 1<br> Seven area fire departments battled the fire at the Hudley family home in McAlisterville on New Year’s Day.
Submitted photo<br> The family Bible is shown within the rubble remains at the Hudley’s home.
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MCALISTERVILLE -- Manny Hudler could hardly believe his eyes, seeing his childhood home in McAlisterville go up in smoke on New Year's Day.
The stone foundation of the house remains, charred by the flames that blazed through it. The windows are just cutouts in the walls. The roof either burned or collapsed during the fire. The only salvageable item Hudler found was the family's Bible.
"It was like the only thing left in the house that wasn't burnt," Manny said.
Hudler has organized a GoFundMe page for his older brother, Gabriel, and his wife, Anne, who own the home.
Their parents bought the house, located at 31473 Route 35 North in McAlisterville in 2005 before moving to Florida. Gabriel recently bought it from his parents.
While the house might be deemed a total loss, the family feels fortunate there was no one inside.
"They were renovating it, but they were close," Manny said of his brother moving into the home. "It was supposed to be done here this month. They were getting ready to move in. I'm just thankful they weren't in yet."
Now, Manny wonders if his brother and his family will even have a home, or they will have to start anew. There's been an outpouring of support from the community, both financially and for clean-up.
In order to provide some assistance, Manny started the GoFundMe page, which has raised $3,991 of its $10,000 goal, according to the dollars raised Friday afternoon.
Manny learned the house, which was built in 1812, was on fire from a childhood friend who lives nearby.
"Honestly, I didn't really believe him till I saw it myself," Manny said. "It was one of the older homes in the valley."
As many in the community know, this was a home for many over several generations. Gabriel and Anne are living in temporary housing.
"We're asking for help to recoup from the devastating losses, if possible," said Manny, who also lives in McAlisterville. "They're dealing with cleaning up and deciding the best course of action from here. Thank you for your support through this tough time."
Officials said the investigation has been turned over to the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshall.
Responding companies were called at 3:26 a.m. and were on the scene for a little more than three hours. They included Fayette Fire Co. of McAlisterville, Mifflintown Hose Co. No. 1, Friendship Fire Co. of Port Royal, Delaware Township Fire Co. of Mifflintown, Thompsontown Fire Department, Richfield Fire Department and Fremont Fire Co., along with Fayette Fire Co. EMS. Units were also assisted by Pennsylvania State Police.