Garden Grove man loses home, prized collection in fire believed to be caused by fireworks

GARDEN GROVE, Calif. (KABC) -- A Garden Grove man lost nearly all of his belongings after a fire destroyed his home the day after the Fourth of July, and fire authorities believe the blaze was caused by fireworks set off in the neighborhood.

Anthony Scotti said the fire consumed the home where he stored a collection of classic Volkswagen parts and restored vintage arcade games, many of which he had spent years repairing and preserving.

"To be able to share those old classics with friends and family and their children that grow up," Scotti said. "Seeing an old arcade machine that takes quarters and has its own unique controls and real steering wheels and real shift levers and gas pedals to them is like seeing a foreign object."

Scotti, who lost a leg four years ago because of complications from diabetes, said he had turned a room in his home into a technology workspace where he kept many of his prized possessions.

On Sunday afternoon, Scotti was at home when he heard fireworks being set off in the neighborhood. He said he initially thought little of the smell outside, believing it was from a barbecue, until he noticed smoke.

"I didn't have my prosthetic leg on so I got up off the couch, hopped with my walker to my back computer room," Scotti said. "The projectile went through the screen into the closet and started the fire in the closet."

Scotti said he initially tried to extinguish the fire, but the flames quickly spread through the home. He said he did not have time to retrieve his prosthetic leg before escaping.

"It's carbon fiber. It got some heat damage here at the top and this is where the support is at my knee that has to flex when I bend and walk," he explained while holding his prosthetic leg.

After notifying neighbors, many of whom tried to jump in to help, he watched as the fire destroyed nearly everything he owned.

"Ninety-nine percent of everything I owned is destroyed," he said.

Among the items lost was a vintage "Tron" arcade machine that Scotti said was worth thousands of dollars.

"My prized possession," he said. "That one machine alone was valued at $9,000. I was at the point where I said, OK, it's time for me to sell these things off possibly, and now that's not even possible."

Scotti said he could not afford renter's insurance and is currently staying in a motel.

The Orange County Fire Authority is continuing to investigate and believes it is one of two fires in the same area caused by fireworks.

Despite the loss, Scotti said he is focused on moving forward.

"If my disability has taught me anything, it's to lift the 'what ifs' and spread them aside, just like I would with the burnt stuff in my house, and focus on what's ahead," he said.

Scotti's niece has created a GoFundMe campaign to help him find a new place to live and begin replacing some of what was lost. Scotti said he has been overwhelmed by the support he has already received. You can find the link to donate here.