A Pennsylvania family’s joyous trip to Philadelphia to watch the Eagles take on the Los Angeles Rams in a divisional playoff game took a tragic turn when they received news that their home was engulfed in flames. The Sandstrom family, from York County, were enjoying the excitement of the game when a neighbor’s phone call shattered their celebratory mood.
A Nightmare Unfolds Amidst Cheers and Excitement
During the first quarter of the high-stakes game on January 19th, 2025, Derek Sandstrom received a chilling call from a neighbor. “He said, ‘Your house is fully engulfed in flames,'” Sandstrom recounted to NBC affiliate WGAL. The news was a jarring contrast to the electrifying atmosphere of the packed stadium. Sandstrom described the surreal experience to PennLive: “It’s loud there in the stands. It was a festive, crazy environment. People were high-fiving and fist-bumping each other. And I hear my house is destroyed. The news amidst all of that was pretty surreal.”
Shortly after the call, the family began receiving heartbreaking photos from neighbors, depicting their home ablaze. Before the first quarter could even conclude, the Sandstroms made the difficult decision to leave the game and embark on the three-hour drive back to Newberry Township, facing a snowstorm along the way.
From Festive Cheers to Devastating Loss: A Family Faces the Unthinkable
The Newberry Township Fire Department confirmed the devastating news in a Facebook post. Fire crews responded to the blaze at a one-and-a-half-story single-family home around 3:30 p.m. local time. The fire quickly escalated into a two-alarm blaze, demanding the efforts of multiple crews. While initial reports raised concerns about potential occupants trapped inside, it was later confirmed that the Sandstrom family were safely away when the fire erupted. Tragically, a firefighter sustained non-life-threatening injuries after slipping and falling on the icy ground while battling the blaze. Despite the challenging weather conditions, firefighters persevered, eventually extinguishing the fire. Authorities later determined the cause of the fire to be unintentional, likely originating from a chimney fire fueled by a woodburning stove in the basement.
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Picking Up the Pieces: A Community Rallies Around the Sandstrom Family
Upon returning home, the Sandstroms were confronted with the utter devastation of their home. “Seeing it in the daylight was maybe more shocking because you could actually go into the place and walk around and see all the things that used to be there or the, you know, kind of burned up remains of what is still there,” Derek shared with WGAL. Walking through the charred remains with fire officials, the reality of the total loss set in. “The firemen said it’s a total loss. Most of the house is gone. There isn’t any furniture. It’s all burned up. Most of the exterior walls are gone. Where you used to see a wall, now you see the backyard. It’s destroyed. We’re going to be starting over.”
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From Devastation to Hope: Rebuilding with Faith and Community Support
Despite the immense loss, the Sandstrom family is finding strength in their faith and the outpouring of support from their community. They are currently staying with relatives and receiving assistance from their church. While the road to recovery will be long and arduous, Derek remains optimistic: “You have to start again. I don’t know how this works. We have faith in God to get us through all this.” Adding a touch of bittersweet joy to their ordeal, the family was able to watch highlights of the Eagles game the following day, witnessing their team’s victory and advancement to the NFC title game. A GoFundMe page has been established to aid the Sandstrom family in rebuilding their lives after this devastating fire. The page serves as a testament to the community’s compassion and willingness to help the Sandstroms during this incredibly difficult time.
A Community United in Support: Helping the Sandstroms Rebuild
The Sandstroms’ story serves as a stark reminder of how quickly life can change. One moment they were celebrating with fellow fans, the next they were facing the unimaginable loss of their home. However, amidst the devastation, there is hope. The community’s unwavering support, coupled with the family’s resilience and faith, will undoubtedly play a crucial role in their journey to rebuild. The outpouring of donations and messages of encouragement on the GoFundMe page exemplifies the power of community in times of crisis. The Sandstroms’ story is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to endure even the most challenging circumstances. It also highlights the importance of cherishing every moment and the profound impact of community support in the face of adversity. While the fire may have destroyed their home, it has also ignited a spark of compassion and generosity within the community, demonstrating that even in the darkest of times, hope and resilience can prevail.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Sandstrom Family House Fire
What caused the fire? Authorities believe the fire was unintentional and likely started as a chimney fire, fueled by a woodburning stove in the basement.
Were there any injuries? The Sandstrom family was thankfully away from home during the fire. However, a firefighter sustained non-life-threatening injuries while battling the blaze.
How can I help the Sandstrom family? A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist the family with rebuilding their lives after this devastating loss. Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated.
Where are the Sandstroms staying now? The family is currently staying with relatives and receiving support from their local church.
Was the house a total loss? Yes, fire officials have declared the house a total loss. The Sandstroms will have to rebuild their home and replace all of their belongings.
