TOMS RIVER — A fundraiser has been launched to help a Silverton family rebuild after a house fire destroyed their home Thursday morning while they were attending a loved one’s funeral.
Rebecca Hansson organized the fundraiser for her best friend, Ally, whose family lost their house on Aldo Drive after the blaze broke out around 9:30 a.m. March 5.
According to Hansson, the family was attending Ally’s grandmother’s funeral when the fire started. No one was home at the time, and everyone — including the family’s dog — is safe. However, the home sustained severe damage and officials say it could take at least a year before the family can return.
“The emotional toll of losing their home on top of saying goodbye to a loved one is unimaginable,” Hansson added.
The fundraiser aims to help the family cover temporary housing, replace essential belongings such as clothing and household items, and manage daily living expenses as they recover from the loss.
Firefighters from the Silverton Volunteer Fire Company were dispatched to Aldo Drive along with the Pleasant Plains and East Dover fire departments after the fire was reported. The first units arriving at the scene reported visible smoke and flames coming from the rear of the two-story home, with fire extending into the roof and attic.
Crews stretched two 1¾-inch hose lines to attack the fire while other firefighters entered the residence to conduct a primary search.
Command later upgraded the incident to a second alarm, bringing additional Toms River fire companies and mutual aid units to assist in bringing the blaze under control.
Firefighters eventually knocked down the flames and conducted overhaul operations to ensure the fire was fully extinguished.
Officials said no one was inside the home when the fire began. A dog was removed safely from the residence before firefighters arrived, and no injuries were reported.
The scene was turned over to the Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention. Inspectors Britton, Oeskovic and Kappock are investigating the incident, and early indications suggest the fire was accidental.
If you would like to donate to the GoFundMe, click here.
