A Gettysburg couple has faced devastation again as their home, rebuilt just 15 years prior, was destroyed by fire in December. The homeowner, J.R. Reed, recounted the loss of nearly everything after the blaze tore through their residence. “This was an entire life’s work of collecting and doing to make a house a home, and then to lose it all in a matter of minutes,” Reed expressed.
The fire erupted while Reed was away picking up a prescription for his wife. Upon returning, he was met with the sight of smoke and flames consuming his home. “I saw the smoke billowing at the top of the hill and I said that looks like where my house is. I couldn’t believe it,” he recalled.
The couple’s previous home on the same site was destroyed 15 years ago when lightning struck an AC unit, igniting a severed propane line. Despite the repeated tragedies, the Reeds are determined to rebuild. “It will take a long time, but we’ll do it,” Reed affirmed, still in shock over the repeated loss.
The recent fire resulted in the couple, their six dogs safely escaping, however, their seventh dog, Minnie, is still missing. Reed shared his wife’s hope that someone has taken Minnie in, though he remains uncertain.
The cause of the recent fire is yet to be determined, as extensive damage has complicated the investigation. In the meantime, community support has been pouring in, with donations being collected to assist the Reeds with temporary housing and clothing. Reed finds some comfort in the community’s support but remains overwhelmed by the magnitude of the situation. “I wouldn’t wish this on anybody. It’s really horrible,” he concluded.
