Mahopac Family Escapes Devastating House Fire
- Mar 24
- 2 min read
By Holly Crocco
The community is coming together to support a Mahopac family whose home was destroyed by fire last week.
Just before 6:30 a.m. March 18, the Mahopac Falls Volunteer Fire Department was called to a residential structure fire on West Lake Boulevard. Upon arrival, crews found an active fire involving a garage that had extended to the residence.
“Firefighters initiated an aggressive exterior attack due to fire conditions and exposure concerns,” according to Ellen Sacher, public information office for MFVFD. “Mutual aid departments responded to assist with suppression efforts, water supply operations, and manpower.”
All occupants had safely evacuated the home prior to the fire department’s arrival. However, a family pet was lost as a result of the blaze.
Due to the extent of the fire, the structure sustained significant damage, including a collapse, said Sacher. Firefighters remained on scene for several hours to bring the flames under control, conduct overhaul operations, and ensure the scene was safe.
The Town of Carmel Building Department responded to evaluate the structure, and NYSEG was notified to address utilities. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The home belonged to Louis and Victoria Arocho.
“In a matter of minutes, everything they owned was gone,” wrote Mariana Loebrich on a GoFundMe page she set up for the family. “Louis and Victoria were able to escape with their lives and their two young daughters, ages 4 and 2, but they left with only the clothes they were wearing.”
Funds are being raised to help the family afford immediate needs, such as temporary housing, food and daily essentials, clothing, and shoes.
As of Friday, the goal of $80,000 was close to being reached.
In the days following the fire, Louis Arocho, who is a youth pastor and minister at Hopewell Reformed Church in Hopewell Junction, expressed his gratitude to all the local fire departments, EMS services, and police who provided assistance.
“The way they showed up not just professionally, but with kindness and care meant more to us than we can express,” he wrote on social media. “They walked us through one of the worst moments of our lives with patience and compassion, and we are beyond grateful.”
The family is also overwhelmed the by support it has received from family, friends, businesses, neighbors, and even strangers.
“In a time like this, you realize how blessed you are to be part of a community that loves people they’ve never even met,” wrote Arocho. “To our friends, family, and even strangers who have reached out, offered help, prayers, clothing, food, shelter, and financial support, we truly thank you from the bottom of our hearts… Most importantly, we thank God that our girls made it out safely. That alone is everything.”
While the family is lucky to have escaped the fire, they mourn the loss of their dog, Charlie, who Arocho called his “best friend.”
“I know it may sound strange to some, but he was like a son to me and a big brother to Lorelei and Genevieve,” he wrote. “We may not understand why things like this happen, but we are holding on to our faith and trusting God through it all.”
To support the family, visit www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-arocho-family-rebuild-after-devastating-house-fire.
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