‘I truly live in the best place in the world’
Dylan Hamilton was in Wakefield picking up a load of asphalt when his phone rang just after 9 a.m. on Sept. 11.
That’s how he learned his home was on fire.
Bryant Parsons, a truck driver and personal friend, had noticed smoke while passing his property at 6615 Route 130 in Clearview. Parsons called the fire department, then called Hamilton, who rushed back to Clearview.
“By the time I got there, the fire department was set up, the garage was completely gone and the house was fully engulfed in flames,” Hamilton said.
His four children were with their mother that week. Hamilton had let the family cat outside before leaving for work, but Dozer, the family dog, was still inside.
“Luckily, the truck driver was able to kick the front door in and get Dozer out safely before the fire spread to the house,” he said.
While investigators are still looking into the cause, Hamilton said the fire first started in the woodshed, the only area burning at the time. A small barn on the property included a chicken coop. Seven laying hens did not survive.
“I’m currently staying with my parents, who live just a few miles down the road,” he said. “I had the kids over the weekend, but they went back to their mom’s on Sunday because it’s a little unorganized and a little hectic here right now.”
Cleanup is underway as Hamilton considers what to do with the property. He did not have insurance.
“Right now, I’m looking at mini-homes for sale, and if I can find a way to move one from its current location to my place, then that’s what I plan to do,” he said.
Local businesses have also stepped in as Hamilton begins clearing the debris.
“I want to give a special shout-out to E. Cummings Contracting in Woodstock,” Hamilton said. “They brought me an excavator and a dump truck at no charge to use for cleanup after the fire.”
A GoFundMe campaign organized by Hamilton’s friend, Keshia Foster, had raised $2,530 toward an $8,000 goal as of Sept. 19. The money is intended to help replace clothing, furniture, school items and other necessities while covering temporary housing and living expenses.
A benefit breakfast will be held Sept. 26 from 8 a.m. to noon at Larlee Creek Eatery, just outside Perth-Andover. Hamilton’s mother and aunt own and operate the restaurant.
Hamilton’s sister is also planning a benefit dance at the Centreville Elks Club for Oct. 24, from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Those wishing to help can donate to the GoFundMe campaign at https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-dylan-his-four-kids-rebuild-after-devastating-fire
For Hamilton, the days since the fire have been difficult to describe.
“I have very mixed emotions,” he said. “I’m devastated I lost everything, but at the same time, I feel extremely thankful to have received as much support as I have from the community and friends and family. I truly live in the best place in the world.”
