Beaufort family hopes to rebuild after home fire

BEAUFORT, SC. (WTOC) - A family in Beaufort is hoping to rebuild after losing their home in a fire less than three weeks ago.

The Dean family spoke exclusively with WTOC about the devastating January 31 blaze that destroyed their home during a belated Christmas gathering.

Daniel and Robin Dean had finally been able to bring their entire family together that day, with snow expected later. Daniel, an Air Force veteran, had planned to take his grandchildren for a ride through the flurries in his golf cart, so he plugged it in beside the house to charge.

About an hour later, their son Eddie Going noticed smoke. When he ran outside, he saw flames already engulfing the home’s deck. While trying to connect a hose to fight the fire, Eddie suffered severe burns that later required skin grafts. His quick actions, however, helped alert the rest of the family and gave them time to escape.

The Deans’ granddaughter called 911, and firefighters with the Burton Fire District eventually brought the blaze under control. Officials later told the family that electrical problems with the golf cart charger were the likely cause.

In the aftermath, the family lost nearly everything, including two cats and most of their belongings. But they say the community has rallied around them with clothing donations and temporary places to stay.

Now, the Deans are hoping to rebuild on their land. However, they say their older mobile home was underinsured, leaving them without enough coverage to replace it.

Family members have set up a fundraiser on GoFundMe to help with rebuilding costs, and the Deans are also accepting gift cards to stores like Lowe’s as they begin the long process of starting over.