Community pitches in following fire
POCOPSON » A deadly equestrian fire on Sunday at the Deneno Farm has united people to help the victims recover.
As of press time for the print deadline of this report, an online communitydriven GoFundMe campaign had raised $9,553 to the cause, with 161 donors contributing. The fundraising goal is $10,000.
On Sunday, the National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning across Southeastern Pennsylvania warning people that the weather conditions were dry and windy, which can cause fires to develop quickly and increase in communities rapidly.
Several regional hardwood supply companies have offered donations including Chester Countybased company Fenceworks of Spring City.
Sean Trout, owner of Fenceworks, reached out to the Deneno family to offer his assistance.
“I just wanted to help in any way we could,” Trout said on Wednesday. He met with the Deneno family and neighbors on Tuesday to join the effort to rebuild shelter and a space of protection, fencing, for the surviving thoroughbreds.
Trout is returning to the property on Wawaset Farm Lane this Friday to help secure one of the new paddocks for the surviving horses.
Fencework
is donating flipboard for new fencing, a couple of gates, and the company is also providing equipment to conduct clearing work of the ruins from the Sunday’s fire as well as to help build the new fencing.
Of the rallying by the community to support the Deneno family and their horses, Trout said, “It’s not surprising to me. It’s a tight-knit community, especially the horse community. We do a lot of work in the horse community and everyone tends to look out for each other. So, no, it’s not surprising.”
“The rapid response to this tragedy is emblematic of the generous spirit of our community,” said State Rep. Craig Williams, R-160th, of Chadds Ford on March 17. “It’s heartening to see so many give of themselves, particularly in these challenging times, to support those who’ve experienced a misfortune.”
Longwood Fire Company Chief A.J. McCarthy, who commanded the scene on March 14, said two people were transported to the hospital on Sunday.
They were later released. One of these individuals was property owner Don Deneno. He raced into the historic barn which was home at the time to nine retired racehorses and successfully rescued seven horses from the deadly blaze. Tragically, two stallions died in the fire before he could safely reach them.
On Sunday, the fire, which began just before noon at 27 Wawaset Farm Lane in Pocopson Township,
took several hours to contain as winds blew the flames across the property causing many brush fires. The incident brought more than 100 firefighters and first aid responders to the scene to help.
The vast majority of the emergency responders are volunteers, people willing to leave their families and work obligations behind on Sunday to make a difference and help their neighbors and community. Thank you quote “Almost all of these guys (and gals) are volunteers.