FAIRLESS HILLS, Pa. — A weekend fire in Bucks County destroyed the home of a man affectionately known to many as “Santa Scott,” a beloved local figure recognized for spreading holiday cheer throughout the region.
Scott Diethorne, known for his signature “Naughty” and “Nice” tattoos and his appearances as Santa Claus at Oxford Valley Mall, schools, and community events, lost his Fairless Hills home and several pets in Saturday night’s blaze, according to the Falls Township Fire Marshal’s Office.
Firefighters Battle Intense Flames
Crews were dispatched around 9:45 p.m. Saturday to a residence on Auburn Road in Fairless Hills after multiple calls reported heavy fire coming from the home.
When first responders arrived, they found the structure fully engulfed in flames. Fire officials say the occupants were not home at the time but returned shortly after the blaze broke out.
No human injuries were reported; however, two dogs and a bird tragically perished in the fire.
Mutual Aid Response
Firefighters from multiple departments assisted in battling the inferno, including Falls Township, Levittown #1, Levittown #2, William Penn, Edgely, and the Levittown-Fairless Hills Rescue Squad.
Crews worked for several hours to bring the fire under control. Preliminary findings indicate the blaze began in the attic, though the exact cause remains under investigation by the Falls Township Fire Marshal’s Office.
Community Mourns ‘Santa Scott’s’ Loss
For years, Diethorne has been a cherished part of Bucks County’s holiday traditions — donning his red suit and spreading smiles to children and families each Christmas season.
News of the fire quickly spread through the community, with messages of support and sympathy flooding local Facebook pages. Photos from the Falls Township Fire Marshal’s Facebook page show the home engulfed in flames as firefighters worked to save what they could.
Many in the community are now expressing interest in organizing a fundraiser or donation drive to help “Santa Scott” rebuild and recover from the devastating loss.
Photo Credit:
Falls Township Fire Marshal / Facebook
