By JOHN ANDERSON
The fire at 115 Rauber Street in Wellsville on Thursday that destroyed a two-story family home rekindled today with flames showing and caused another full response.
When the fire took place, no one from the Kear family who lived in the home, were present, but their three family dogs perished. After firefighters knocked down the fire, it was safe to enter the back end of the home.
Steve Kear went inside the home and came out with just a few cords and items in two hands.
Little did he know at the time, the community — and beyond — were donating money and clothes to help the family of six.
The family no longer needs donations of clothes, but the GoFundMe (click HERE) accounts are still active. The Red Cross was also at the scene for assistance and other community organizations are reaching out to help.
Steve and his wife, Ashley, were humbled by the support and the loss of the dogs sank in Thursday night.
Steve shared this message:
“Today, my family experienced an absolutely terrible loss, not just our house but of our 3 dogs (kids),” he said. “Rocky, you were our first boy, we brought you in as a little spunky pup that no one wanted. Sure, you chewed everything, even the bumper of your mom’s (Ashley) new car. You were the best boy and a cuddler, a true momma’s boy.
“Charlie, she was probably the absolute best dog, when it came to calmness and listening. She was a daddy’s girl,” he continued. “Charlie, you always made it known that if I called you were ignoring everyone and coming to get your head and belly rubs.
“Dozer, biggest damn lab I’ve ever seen (muscle and height) you were Eastons protector and he was your person,” Steve wrote. “Full of energy and the loudest bark on Rauber Street. You put on a mean persona, but you were a baby and lover deep inside that heart of yours. Our love for you 3 will never die, I’d do anything to rewind the clock, 12 hours and make sure you were out and able to bark, lick, and beg for treats, for another day.”
As a firefighter and police officer, the hugs at the scene meant a lot.
“To my brother’s and sister’s at the Wellsville Fire and Police Department, as well as all mutual aid — Thank you for rushing to our house as fast as you could and doing what you could to get our dogs out,” he said. “It is overwhelming, the amount of love and support our community has shown and is continuing to show. We are forever grateful to each and everyone of you.”
Wellsville Fire Department Chief Greg Day said the cause of the fire has been narrowed down to a room on the front end of the house and it was electrical in nature. The cause has been ruled accidental by fire investigators.
Firefighters from Wellsville, Allentown, Andover, Scio, Willing and Whitesville were at the scene along with the Wellsville Ambulance. Fire police, the New York State Police and the Wellsville Village Police Department also assisted at the scene.
