GoFundMe Started For Northport Family Who Lost Home To Fire

NORTHPORT, AL — An online fundraiser has been established to help a Northport family who lost everything in a house fire earlier this week.

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As Patch previously reported, Northport Fire Rescue responded early Tuesday morning to a fully-involved house fire at 4606 Pelican Avenue in the city's Northwood Lake subdivision, which resulted in two people being hospitalized for smoke inhalation.

Northport Fire Chief Bart Marshall said the point of origin in the fire appeared to have been in the garage, but the investigation remains ongoing.

In the hours after the fire, a family friend launched a GoFundMe page for the Acklin family to help "rebuild their lives."

To date, the GoFundMe has already raised $1,400 from 17 donors toward its goal of $10,000.

Click here to donate.

"They’ve lost pets, vehicles, and all personal belonging — but have left with their lives," the page says. "These funds will go toward their daily necessities while they slowly rebuild their lives following this devastating tragedy."

In a post made on Patch's Facebook page Tuesday evening, Debbie Acklin — the homeowner — told a harrowing story of the events, saying about 3:30 a.m., the family cat, Sebastian, came into the bedroom and woke her up:

"The room was black and thick with smoke and soot," she said. "I jumped up and headed for the bedroom door. I had to cross the entire house to get out. The wall in the hall was ablaze. The fire had started under me in the garage. Blinded I followed the sound of our cat until I could hear my husband tell me to follow his voice. As I reached him he jerked me out of the house. When we compared notes, our cat had led each of us to safety. We don’t know if he made it because we haven’t seen since."

Acklin said Sebastian is a small-sized, black and white tuxedo-type cat.

"The only things we got out of the house were the three of us and our pajamas," she posted. "We were barefoot and knew we lost a lifetime of treasures and memories. Praise God we are okay. I have been amazed, stunned by the love and generosity shown us. Thank you all!"

Greg Acklin confirmed to Patch Wednesday night that Sebastian has yet to be found.

Amy Acklin, the daughter of the homeowners, also posted on social media, saying the family is gratefully accepting gift cards to Publix, Aldi, Fresh Market, Target, Walmart and any other place where groceries can be purchased in the area.

"We have already been very moved by the number of people who are reaching out and are thankful beyond words for the caring people in our neighborhood," she said. "We welcome anything at all, including or rather especially your prayers and positive thoughts."

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