Jake Best, a Facebook Gaming streamer who goes by the alias BogDog28, was livestreaming the multiplayer psychological horror game Phasmaphobia with some friends on Thursday, October 1, when the unimaginable happened. In the space of two short minutes, his apartment caught on fire and Best lost almost everything. Best’s German shepherd Denver, who is well known in the streamer’s community, was at his mother’s when the fire broke out and is safe.
In a brief video shared on his Facebook and Twitter pages, as Best and his fellow party members prep to start their game, the streamer appears to take a phone call and steps out of the room. Shortly afterward, a fire alarm goes off, stops momentarily, and then begins sounding again. Live on stream, the lighting in Best’s room gradually dims and, shortly after the minute mark, black smoke can be seen coming in from the top of the door and quickly covering the ceiling. In approximately 30 seconds, the entire room fills with smoke and the screen goes black.
Best shared the video with the intention of showing people just how quickly a fire can spread and wreak havoc on a person’s life. “Check your fire extinguisher,” he advised. “Have a plan.” In a Facebook livestream later that day, with his hands still black with smoke, Best explained that when he went for the fire extinguisher in the apartment building’s hallway, it didn’t work. The streamer revealed that most of the contents in his apartment were lost and anything that could be salvaged still sustained smoke damage.
Best was able to salvage and wash some clothes, but concerned members of the community have rallied around the displaced streamer and donated money to his PayPal account. Best will also be setting up a GoFundMe to which fans can contribute. Other streamers on Facebook Gaming have been holding fundraisers to support Best and help him get back on his feet. He also had insurance and has stated that he is waiting to hear back from a claim adjustor to see what exactly will be covered by his policy.
Usually when something newsworthy is observed during a livestream, it’s more mundane like a cheater’s aimbot malfunctioning or TwitstedBear, the self-proclaimed top player of Modern Warfare, getting caught using wallhacks. However, more alarming things have also occasionally been caught on camera, including armed home invasions, swatting attempts, harassment that ends in gunshots, and even homes catching on fire.
Best has been vocal in sharing his gratitude for the members of his community who have offered prayers and support during this difficult time. In his Facebook post, he reminded his followers about what is important and said simply, “Hug your loved ones tonight.”