AIKEN, S.C. () – Just before the joyous holiday season, William “Pat” Hayes finds himself grappling with heartbreak and disbelief after the devastating loss of his home of 41 years.

This incident piles onto a series of difficulties he’s faced in recent times, leaving him in dire need of support.

“Every room in the house burned. Every single room. There’s 11 rooms in the house, and every one of them is burned,” Hayes explained.

The unfortunate fire occurred last Tuesday night on Foreman-Floyd Road in the Petticoat Junction area.

Hayes, who spent his childhood in the house, inherited it from his mother, who passed away two years ago.

Since then, his friends say it’s been a rocky road. 

“He’s going through a whole lot. He just came through a giant car accident with an 18-wheeler, so he’s still healing from that. He lost his mom, now he’s lost his house,” said Liz Cowart.

That car accident last December forced Hayes to learn how to walk again—he’s now living out of his car since the house fire.

While Hayes is devastated, part of his frustration is with the Silver Bluff Volunteer Fire Department, which is right across the street from the house. 

“They need to be reevaluated or something, because they can’t serve anyone else in this community if they can’t put out the fire at the closest residence in their view,” Hayes said. “I’m the closest residence to them. If they can’t help me, who else are they going to help?”

We reached out the volunteer fire department, and received a statement from Captain Bruce Turner.

Turner released the following:

“It’s very unfortunate for any person to experience such a tragedy like a house fire, especially during the holidays. During tragedies such as this one Mr. Hayes experienced, we as a community have to step in and be there during his time of need. Prayer and sticking together will always be the key to keep a community thriving, so that’s what we will continue to do.”

They’re also urging homeowners to take extra precautions, as house fires are more common during the holidays.

Here are a few safety tips the fire department wants you to keep in mind:

• Avoid overloading outlets with multiple heat sources and/or appliances
• Burn only approved fire wood
• Never leave candles burning unattended
• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home
• Test those same alarms monthly and replace batteries regularly

Cowart and friends of Hayes are now urging the community to come alongside Hayes during this troubling time.

“Anything will help. Anything. It doesn’t matter what it is, he needs help,” she said.

“My grandmother stayed here, my grandfather stayed here, my mom stayed here—they’re all gone, and the memories are gone with them,” Hayes said.

The fire department says they are still investigating how the fire started.  

As for Hayes, his friends have just set up a GoFundMe and are urging the community to contribute.

To get involved, you can find the link here.