A renowned South Whidbey chainsaw carver lost his entire woodshop and belongings to an early morning fire on Friday.

According to South Whidbey Fire/EMS, personnel responded to the Glendale Road address in Clinton at 1:45 a.m. on Dec. 2. Firefighters arrived to find a burning shed and worked swiftly to keep the fire from spreading to nearby structures – including a mobile home – and a propane tank. No one was injured.

Deputy Chief Terry Ney said firefighters were on the scene for about five hours. The cause was related to the chimney, but the specifics are unknown due to the amount of destruction in the area of origin.

Within three days, a GoFundMe account raised over $28,000 for Steve and Nanette Backus, the affected property owners.

Their daughter Chelsey Backus, who is organizing the fundraiser, wrote that her parents lost every tool including chainsaws, painting supplies and their whole inventory. Steve lost clothes, shoes, and work wear, among other items.

“As chainsaw carvers, having inventory and tools is their way to make an income and they are going to have to start from scratch after almost a lifetime,” Chelsey wrote.

To donate, search “Steve and Nanette Backus” on gofundme.com.

Photo provided Firefighters battled a blaze early Friday morning at a burning South Whidbey workshop.

Photo provided Firefighters battled a blaze early Friday morning at a burning South Whidbey workshop.