Fundraiser Started For Resident Affected By New Hartford Fire

NEW HARTFORD, CT — A fundraiser has been started for one of the people displaced by a massive fire in New Hartford on Tuesday. The GoFundMe was started by Faith Black for her brother Nicholas Black.

The fire destroyed the entire multi-use building on Bridge Street. The 20 adults and two children living in the building were all unharmed. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

See related: Fire Destroys Historic Building In New Hartford

Faith Black wrote: "Hello everyone, this is a fundraiser for my brother Nicholas Black. On August 10, 2021 a fire in New Hartford CT destroyed his entire apartment building and every single thing he owns. Every picture memory, varsity highschool jacket, tv, toothbrush, all things we take for granted. My brother Nick was the first one to respond calling 911, knocking on doors, and banging on windows, screaming 'get out fire' to all of his neighbors before he could grab a single thing. Thanks to him, everyone made it out alive, and because of his bravery, the least we can do is help him get back on his feet in hopes of simple clothes and end goal of a new apartment!!! Any amount helps us! He never asks for anything and is too humble to do this himself so I just wanted to surprise him! Thank you everyone!"

The fundraiser had generated more than $6,000 out of a $10,000 goal. Donate to the cause by going to GoFundMe.

Faith Black later posted the following update: "As these donations come in, words cannot describe how grateful I am from the overwhelming support from all around. I wanted to give a special shout-out to my Reach For the Stars family for coming together and living up to our slogan 'go big or go home.' I think this saying is extra special in this instance because we’re going to go big to get Nick a new 'home'!"

Twenty-nine fire departments were called in to fight the blaze and over 100 firefighters were at the scene, according to NBC CT. Three firefighters were taken to the hospital for evaluation.

A 26-year-old firefighter from Burlington experienced a serious medical issue and later died.

See Related: Burlington Firefighter Dies Due To Medical Emergency