A family affected by last night’s fire on Butler Avenue are safe and sound. The aftermath of losing one’s home is a stark reality today as friends and neighbors reach out from the community to help the family with the most basic of needs.
Last night at around 8 p.m., the Roselle Park Fire Department – along with mutual aid from surrounding communities – responded to the basement fire at a residential house on Butler Avenue. The couple was not home at the time but witnesses reported that the family pets were removed from the premises without injury. Although it started in the basement, the flames engulfed the entire two-and-a-half story residence and left the Sherry family with just what they had on when they left the house. The fire is currently under investigation and there is no reported cause as of yet.
As the community begins to coordinate assistance, family friend Jessica Knierim is asking neighbors to help with Target gift cards or other gift cards so the family can buy clothes and other essentials as they get their lives back on track. She can be contacted via Facebook (link).
Resident and American Red Cross New Jersey Regional Disaster Officer Rodric Bowman is in communication with the RPFD to see what assistance is requested by the family at this time.
RPFD firefighter and Knights of Columbus representative Ray Parenteau Sr. stated that the Knights Council are reaching out to the family to find out what is needed.
“It is early on and I know they’ll be overwhelmed with everything,” stated Mr. Parenteau, adding, “I’m very proud of this town and the support we give one another.”
A GoFundMe page has also been started by the Sherry family’s daughter to help them with their long-term needs while process of dealing with insurance moves along. Those interested in helping out that way can donate to the GoFundMe page (link).
Photograph courtesy and property of Anthony Wohlrab.