Pomaria Community Comes Together After Family’s Home Devastated by Fire
Pomaria, S.C. – In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Samuel “Boomer” Bouknight, a beloved figure in the community known for his humor and charm, is grappling with an unfathomable loss. A devastating fire has left the Bouknight family’s home, standing proudly for 25 years, a smoldering ruin. “Every time I look at the place, just like all these years and memories and family… I don’t know how to put it into words. I’m speechless at the moment,” said Bouknight, still in shock from the incident that occurred on December 1.
From Routine to Ruin
It was a regular morning for the Bouknight family. Bouknight was preparing to head out for work when his son noticed an unusual drop in the water pressure in the kitchen sink. Within moments, chaos erupted as flames began to consume their 2,100-square-foot home.
“My Uncle Thomas gave me a call and said, ‘Boomer’s house is on fire.’ I about dropped to my knees,” shared neighbor and friend Athena Lakosky, recalling the frantic and frightening moment. The Pomaria Fire Chief, Barry Richardson, identified an electrical shortage in the water heater as the likely cause of the fire.
Swift Response from Emergency Services
In the face of such destruction, it was a relief when emergency responders swiftly arrived on the scene. Three fire departments, along with Newberry EMS and the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office, rushed to help. Thankfully, the fire was brought under control within just 30 minutes, allowing Bouknight, his wife, and their youngest son to escape without injury. However, their home was left irrevocably altered.
A Community that Cares
As news of the tragedy spread, the Pomaria community sprang into action, demonstrating the strength of neighborly love and support. “We’ve had well over 100 people offer to help,” Lakosky remarked, filled with pride for the community she calls home. Together with her uncle, she quickly organized efforts through social media, reaching out to local Newberry Facebook groups, hoping to gather resources for the Bouknight family.
Within just 48 hours, generous neighbors began flooding the family with essential items such as meals, clothes, pet food, and more. Bouknight expressed his heartfelt gratitude, noting, “Everybody around here takes care and looks out for each other. This is God’s country, and it’s true.”
Looking Toward the Future
As the Bouknight family begins to piece their lives back together, the journey will be long but supported by a loving community. Although the Pomaria Fire Department has yet to assess the total damages, Bouknight is determined to renovate and refurbish his cherished home. Community support is pouring in, and for those who want to lend a hand, a GoFundMe page has been established to facilitate donations.
A Lasting Impact
In the face of tragedy, the resilience and generosity of the Pomaria community stand out remarkably. As many rally around the Bouknight family during this tough time, it’s clear that the bonds of friendship and support run deep in this close-knit town.
