3 homes destroyed in Suffolk fire

SUFFOLK, Va. - Cleanup is underway after a fire tore through three homes in Suffolk early Wednesday evening.

The Regional Arson Task Force is assisting the Suffolk Fire Department to try to determine a cause.

Public Information Officer Debbie George tells WAVY.com the fire broke out at around 5:30 p.m., in the 100 blk. of Franklin Street. Three separate two-story structures were affected, with fire spreading to a fourth. Eleven residents were displaced.

The work continued on Suffolk's Franklin Street even 24 hours after crews first responded to the 3-alarm fire. Thursday, crews sifted through what remained of 3 buildings, all destroyed by a massive fire. With the fire out, except for an occassional hot spot, the focus is on finding a cause.
George told WAVY.com, "The Suffolk Fire Marshals office wants to complete this investigation as quickly and
efficiently as possible."

George stressed there is no clear evidence fire was the work of an arsonist. However, there were early reports that could support that idea.

"I can tell you a couple of subjects were observed running away from that location, the 120 Franklin Street yester which does add to the suspicion whether that fire could have been intentionally set," George said.

Fire victims shared concerns with WAVY.com the night of the fire that 120 Franklin Street had been abandoned and vacant.

"I've been keeping an eye on the house cause I was always afraid something like this was going to happen.", said Tony Pabis. His wife Barbara added, "At one time, he even found gas cans and graffiti. We even notified the police department."

10 On Your Side learned the owner of the house had been fined more than $2,400 for code violations. The owner listed on each of several Disctrict Court documents for the property is scheduled to appear in court in August.
In Suffolk city inspection records, 10 On Your Side found a number of repeated citations for 120 Franklin, and for the duplexes at 122 and 124 Franklin. Court fines for those properties were $450.
The fines were for problems with paint, broken windows, and a lack of secured entrances. None of the violations included fire hazards.

George said, "There was nothing that indicated any type of electrical problems or that type of thing that might have contributed to this fire."

Now fire investigators are left to collect and examine any evidence they can find in the ashes, to figure out how the fire started.

Residents described the frightening moments they lived through when the fire started Wednesday.

Francis Goldsberry heard about the fire before she saw it, when her roommate yelled at her to get out of the house. With only a few seconds to spare, and no renter's insurance, Goldsberry has nothing left.

"We're going to lose everything we have," Goldsberry said.

Goldsberry watched in tears, as flames consumed her house. Comfort came from neighbors, who, in this time of need, became friends.

"I grabbed my baby and we ran out and we couldn't even stand outside because it was so hot," said Aronika Mann.

Mann was asleep with her nine-month-old baby girl when she got the knock to get up and get out. The mother and daughter made it out safely, but they had no time to grab anything.

"We hate that it happened, a lot of damage, we're just glad nobody got hurt," said Mann.

Barbara Cooper-Pabis echoed that sentiment, "Your mind goes to small things like a family letter opener or pictures." But Barbara says as she ran out of her house, she only considered grabbing what mattered most. "We have ourselves so we're just glad she's okay," referring to her 3-year-old daughter.

George said four firefighters who were taken to the hospital and treated for minor injuries, are all doing fine.

Thursday evening, Dominion Virginia Power crews restored power to other homes and businesses on Franklin Street.

Below you can find more information about how you can help the Pabis family sent out from the March of Dimes:

Barbara Cooper-Pabis and Joseph Pabis, a dedicated Suffolk Ambassador Family, lost their home and all possessions in a house fire on Tuesday, June 22. Bethanne Bradshaw, long time March of Dimes Suffolk chair, has appealed for help for the family.

The Red Cross has been helpful for short-term assistance but the family needs immediate help with clothes, gift cards and/or money.

Callen Jean Pabis was born 16 weeks early and weighted 1lb. 4 oz. at birth. She spent 108 days in the neonatal intensive care unit. Now 3 years old, Callen still has vision problems and speech delays. In sharing their story, the Cooper-Pabis family always thank the March of Dimes for their daughter.

Clothing sizes:
Girl’s shirts – 4T
Girl’s pants – 2T & 3T
Girl’s shoes – children’s size 5

Men’s shirts – large
Men’s shoes – 10 ½ – 11
Men’s pants – 31” waist, 34” length

Women’s size – 26
Women’s shoe – 10 ½ – 11

Donations may also be taken to Lion & Lioness, 2480 Pruden Boulevard, St. 1 Contact Wanda Moss at 757-539-5043

Thank you in advance for your generous support!