GoFundMe started for Whitley Co. man whose home burned on Christmas Eve

A GoFundMe has been set up for a Whitley County man who had a major fire rip through his home in the early morning hours of Christmas Eve.

Fire crews responded to the fire along Majestic View Drive in the Rockholds community at approximately 1:35 a.m., according to homeowner Charles Teklinski, who said the fire broke out in the area near the home’s woodfire stove.

Teklinski was able to safely make it out of the home, along with his six dogs and pet snake; however, he had a pet fish that did not make it. In addition to losing the fish, the home’s foyer, entryway, roof and rear of the home were heavily damaged, according to Teklinski. Other areas of the home also sustained damage during the fire.

While Teklinski said that he was still assessing the full extent of the damages as of Wednesday morning, he is prepared for the worst.

“Right now, it’s a total loss,” said Teklinski.

Teklinski said he has no immediate family and that all distant family members live outside Kentucky. For the time being, his neighbors have allowed him and his animals to stay with them while he figures out his next moves. He added that his neighbors opened their home to him “without complaints” and “asking nothing in return.”

“Very special people,” said Teklinski.

But despite the loss of his home, Teklinski was optimistic about how the scenario played out, noting that it could’ve ended up much worse.

“Even though it was a disaster, everything went right,” said Teklinski. “So, the first thing that went right is the smoke alarm worked and it woke me up. The second thing that worked right was that I had cell phone signal and they sent the fire department right away. The third thing that went right is that when I called my neighbors and asked for help with the dogs, she came up right away.”

A GoFundMe has been launched by Teklinski’s neighbors in hopes of softening the blow of the incident. For those who wish to donate, you can do so by going to https://gofund.me/29b221e2. The campaign’s goal is set at $5,000, though as of Wednesday morning, donations sit at $180.