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By Charlotte Hopkins

On Thursday, January 15, 2015, a fire ignited in the garage of Glassport resident John McCombs, which was fueled by several cases of bullets. The gun powder set off a series of explosions, causing the fire to latch on to McCombs' home. McCombs, an avid gun collector, had 60 firearms saved in his garage.

An explosion in Glassport reduced the McCombs family home to rubble and ash.

The firefighters were able to contain the fire, though two neighboring homes suffered damage. Sadly, the McCombs home was completely destroyed, causing him and his wife to lose everything they own. Trying to keep in good spirits, McCombs sated, "We got to go out and buy clothes. Got to get a bed and just start over."

McCombs is known for his charity work. He collects broken cell phones, repairs them and donates them to women's shelters. He also collects scrap metal to recycle and donates the money collected to churches and charities.

West Elizabeth resident Lisa Morris and Pastor Tim Green of Calvary Chapel South Pittsburgh, also of West Elizabeth, are assisting in helping the McCombs family by collecting donations of any kind. Those interested in donating to the family can contact Morris at Glassportfire@hotmail.com. Contact Pastor Green at 412-596-8869 for available times to bring donations to his West Elizabeth church. 

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