Family member recounts camper fire that displaced 4, killed family dog; GoFundMe created

LEBANON COUNTY, Pa. (WHP) — A family of four were celebrating Christmas at the Cozy Corner Campground when their camper caught fire, and neighbors heard screams calling for 911.

The blaze broke out around 1 a.m. Saturday and displaced a family of two adults and two teens.

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Neighbors witnessed flames through the camper's windows and saw the family run in and out of the home, trying to rescue their dogs. One dog, a 9-year-old bichon named Teddy, died in the fire.

Melodie Favinger, sister of the victim and aunt of children, said she ran to the scene in her work clothes from Envy Nail Salon and tried to help round up the dogs in commotion.

Although two dogs were saved, Favinger said she recalls not finding Teddy's body.

“He perished in the fire, and tried looking for him but we couldn’t find his body, and that house just went up so fast,” Favinger said, “and it was dangerous because there was so much propane.”

Without hesitation, Favinger put the family in a hotel and made her business the center for donations for the family's remaining dogs and the teenagers, ages 12 and 14.

“The children are having a hard time. I mean, everything in their life is gone, material wise, let’s just say that,” Favinger said. “Everything can be replaced, so as far as them grieving, the best advice I gave them that is that it’s just material items and everything can replaced in time.”

The responding fire company, Bunker Hill Fire, along with state fire marshals, explained the fire was caused by lithium batteries.

“The lithium battery that was not plugged in started in the deck, which is the main entrance to the home, ” Favinger said. “If you have anything with lithium batteries, they recommend to put in a fire proof case to protect your family.”

A GoFundMe created by family is hoping to raise $2,400 for the four displaced.

Anyone interested in donating can do so using the button above or by clicking here.