Levittown Legend Santa Scott Loses Home In Fire

Credit: Falls Township Fire Marshal’s Office

A Fairless Hills home belonging to a family, including a beloved local “Santa Scott,” was destroyed by a fire Saturday night.

The Fairless Hills Fire Department was dispatched to Auburn Road in the Fairless Hills section of Falls Township at about 9:45 p.m. and found a fully involved dwelling, according to officials.

Scott Diethorne, who is known locally as “Santa Scott,” and his family, were not injured and were not home at the time of the fire, according to officials and the family.

Two dogs and a bird died in the fire, officials said.

No firefighters were injured.

Flames ripped through the house, with fire and smoke visible in the sky for blocks around the house.

The Falls Township Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire, which appears to have started in the attic.

The home was a total loss, the Diethorne family said.

“Our Disaster Action Team volunteers responded to the fire quickly to meet the immediate needs of the family affected,” said Alana Mauger, a spokesperson for the Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania, which is assisting the family of five. “This support may include comfort and emotional care, financial assistance, access to health services and referrals to local resources to help them begin their recovery.”

Diethorne is well-known in the area for taking Christmastime photos with families, adults and their pets for years, and for his generosity toward local nonprofits. His outfits were custom made.

Community members began efforts to assist the family, who was working to raise $18,000 in immediate aid.

By Sunday morning, they had received $10,000.

The family cautioned the public about scams, stating their GoFundMe is the only legitimate fundraising effort.

Diethorne released a video statement thanking everyone for checking in on the family and supporting them. He also advised people who have booked Santa appearances to reach out because he lost ,most of his Santa calendar.

“As of now, I’ve lost everything. All my Santa outfits and everything,” he said. “I am in the process of getting others. I just don’t know what’s in store right now.”

Diethorne said he is working to recover and keep his wife’s spirits up in the wake of the fire.

The Fairless Hills Fire Department was assisted by the Edgely, Falls Township, Levittown No. 1, Levittown No. 2, and William Penn fire companies. The Levittown-Fairless Hills Rescue Squad also responded.

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