Fire destroys 4 homes in California

GoFundMe accounts have been set up to provide assistance for four displaced families.

Four homes were destroyed and two others sustained major siding damage in a fire Saturday afternoon in California.

No injuries were reported, but California fire Chief Tom Hartley told our news partners at WTAE that six adults and 11 children have been displaced and are receiving aid from the Salvation Army and the Red Cross.

Fourteen departments were called to the 140 block of Liberty Street at 12:16 p.m., and crews remained on scene for several hours.

Chief Ron Barry of the South Brownsville Fire Company wrote on Facebook that it was through “herculean efforts of the California firefighters along with the many mutual aid departments” that fire damage wasn’t much worse in the intense summer heat.

The cause of the blaze is still under investigation.

Several GoFundMe campaigns have been launched for the affected families started for the several families, including one by Jelani Stafford, who said the fire left her sisters and their children with “nothing but the clothes on their backs.”

“Thankfully, everyone made it out safely, but the road to rebuilding is going to be long and difficult,” Stafford wrote on the GoFundMe account. “We are asking for the community’s love, support, and generosity to help these families recover.”

Donations will go toward clothing, shoes, essentials and temporary housing needs while they work to rebuild their lives. Through Sunday evening, $5,267 had been raised.

Needed clothes range from sizes 18-24 months to 14/16 as well as large clothes, and shoes range from 4C to size 12. They are also looking for size 5 and 6 diapers for both houses.

“Every contribution, no matter how small, will make a difference in helping them rebuild their homes, replace essentials, and begin healing after this devastating loss,” Stafford wrote. “Thank you for your kindness, compassion, and support during this difficult time.”

Megan Drake said her very close friend, Julie Betts, lost everything in the fire, and she was visiting her and her kids when Betts got the news.

Drake said that Betts is the most giving and caring person, and that making a fundraiser would help relieve some of the stress of starting over. Their fundraiser had $4,465 raised as of press time Sunday.

Betts is staying with her daughter, Emily Jacobs, while they get her back on her feet. She is in need of clothes, household items, appliances and more.

“I never thought I would have to make one of these for someone I know, but a very close friend (practically family) of mine lost their home, and everything in it, from a fire,” Drake wrote. “It was a total loss, nothing could be saved.”

Jeff Christner was at his brother’s house on Liberty Street when the fire started, as his sister lives across the street with her boyfriend and four kids. They are all OK, but their home was lost in the flames.

Jeff and his wife Kelly also started a fundraiser, and they have raised $2,400 as of press time Sunday.

“The family unfortunately does not have renters insurance so need to replace everything: clothes, toiletries, toys, electronics,” the Christners said on their GoFundMe page. “Please help if you can. All help is greatly appreciated.”

A fundraiser was started by Megan Wolpink for her father, William Matsko, who was also affected by the fires. So far, she has raised $1,535 as of press time Sunday.

“Please consider donating to help my father,” Wolpink said. “His home was recently burnt and a total lost cause. Anything will help for a fresh new start for him. Please keep everyone affected by this tragic event in your thoughts and prayers.”

The California Borough Recreation Authority has set drop-off donation times and places for the families that need assistance. More information can be found on the authority’s Facebook page.

One drop-off was held Sunday at California Fire Department, and others are set from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at California United Methodist Church and from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at California Area Elementary School. Drop-offs will also be held at California Area cheer/football practices this week.

“But now comes the task of helping those families who were displaced,” Barry wrote on Facebook. “This is where YOU come in. Items are desperately needed and they may be dropped off at any of the locations listed. Southwestern PA is known for opening their hearts when tragedy strikes. Let’s prove that once again.”

Links to the fundraisers can be found at:

• www.gofundme.com/f/helpour- families-recover-after-a-devastating- house-fire.

• www.gofundme.com/f/supportjulie- betts-in-starting-over-afterfire.

• www.gofundme.com/f/se66zhelp- a-family-rebuild-after-fireloss.

• www.givesendgo.com/William-Matsko.