‘Dreams, Hopes Vanish’ In Bloomfield Fire; Victims Plead For Help

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — It was just two weeks before the grand opening of Samadhi Yoga Studio in Bloomfield, and the owners of the fledgling business were excited to see their hopes and dreams finally take shape after years of hard work.

And then they got the news: the studio was on fire.

On Tuesday morning, a four-alarm fire ripped through a commercial building at 55 Washington Street. Nobody was injured, but the conflagration left several local businesses without a home and their employees with uncertain futures.

Bloomfield officials released details about the fire after it was put under control around 11 a.m.

"The fire did not spread beyond the building of origin, which is on the corner of Washington Street and Glenwood Avenue," officials stated. "The building is considered an unsafe structure now, and not safe for tenants to re-enter."

Mayor Michael Venezia said that "his heart goes out" to the business owners at this property, especially Roxy's Florist, which is the owner of this landmark building, but also familiar faces in the community such as Heavenly Bites and Heavenly Flavors, Salvatore T. Alfano, PA, Fusella Counselors at Law, Kolby's Place Barber Shop, Winfield Security as well as the Bloomfield Center Alliance.

• See related article: 4-Alarm Fire Rages At Bloomfield Commercial Building (UPDATED)

On Thursday, Bloomfield Fire Department Chief Louis Venezia issued an update on authorities’ probe into the blaze:

“While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, it appears there was no foul play. The Bloomfield Fire Investigation Unit is working closely with the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety Investigators. A New Jersey Division of Fire Safety Arson K-9 Unit was brought in to aide in the investigation. The results of the K-9 were negative. We will continue our investigation to the cause of the fire and provide updates as soon as they are available.”

The devastating blaze is causing serious grief and anguish, according to the Bloomfield Center Alliance, which was one of the victims.

“While [we’re] grateful that no one was injured, the impact of this event is undeniable,” the BCA wrote Wednesday. “We also grieve for the affected business/property owners and their employees. We pray that they can and will rebuild in Bloomfield Center.”

“We don’t know what exactly happened, but what we do know is that we lost everything we had taken years to build,” Alexis Benitez and Tara Joseph of Samadhi Yoga wrote on a GoFundMe campaign.

“We never in our minds thought this would happen two weeks prior to the grand opening,” the heartbroken pair said. “Our hearts feel heavy with sadness as we see our dreams and hopes vanish. We lost yoga equipment, brand-new floors, permits, tools and so much more. Luckily, we did not lose ourselves, and we can stand together strong and ask the community for help.”

The owners and staff of barbershop and salon Kolby’s Place also wrote about the devastation done to their business on a GoFundMe campaign.

The business, which has been serving the residents of Bloomfield since 2007, was “completely destroyed” in the blaze, campaign organizers wrote.

“Kolby’s Place employs 11 licensed barbers and stylists, who as a result of this fire, have lost all of their supplies, including but not limited to high-definition clippers, hair dryers, hair-cutting kits, blades, face trimmers, other styling tools and so much more,” staff wrote. “Any donations are greatly appreciated as this loss has tremendously affected our employee’s livelihood.”

FUNDRAISERS FOR THE VICTIMS

A GoFundMe spokesperson provided Patch with links to four, “verified” fundraisers that have been set up to aid the victims of the fire.

Kolby's Place Fire Relief Fund – “I am hoping this page can help raise money for the hardworking licensed barbers and stylists who have dedicated many hours to perfecting their craft and provide great customer service to all.” (Learn more or make a donation)

Barber Equipment Damage Due To Fire And Water – “I support my family with business at this establishment, my customers depend on the services that I give them. Being a professional barber is my passion, I take pride in my work. This donation will truly be appreciated.” (Learn more or make a donation)

Samadhi Yoga Studio Fire Disaster – “We do not know what exactly happened but what we do know is that we lost everything we had taken years to built. We never in our minds thought this would happen 2 weeks prior to the grand opening.” (Learn more or make a donation)

Fire Emergency – “Several business which I have patronized on a regular basis were devastated by a fire. Roxy Florist, Heavenly Bites, Heavenly Flavors and Kolby’s Place Barber Shop. Please find it in your heart to give whatever you can afford, no dollar amount is too small.” (Learn more or make a donation)

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