Bridgewater Family Displaced After Battery Explodes, Home Catches Fire: GoFundMe

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — A fundraiser has been set up to help a Bridgewater family of four after a fire sparked by a lithium-ion battery destroyed their home last week, according to the GoFundMe.

On July 21 at 1:40 a.m., the O'Brien family - Susanne, Chris, Lucius (8), and Cassius (3) - woke up fire alarms going off in their home.

"It turns out an unplugged 40v Ryobi battery in their basement exploded and caught fire," according to the GoFundMe page.

Chris tried to put the fire out and suffered some burns. A firefighter was also injured. Read More: House Fire Sparks Near Lithium-Ion Batteries In Bridgewater

Volunteer firefighters from Finderne and Martinsville fire companies were able to put out the fire. However, "the inside of the house is destroyed and not safe at all right now," according to the fundraiser.

"The O'Briens are long-time community members and are some of the kindest, most welcoming, and generous people I have ever met. Their children are close friends with our two children, and we wanted to pull together as a community to support them in their time of need, just as they would do for any of us," said Regina Silverii, who organized the GoFundMe.

The fundraiser is looking to raise $30,000 to help cover funds for temporary or long long-term housing, clothing, food, diapers, toiletries, school supplies, and other living expenses.

"The funds go to helping rebuild their stability and normalcy after this intense incident," said Chris O'Brien to Patch.

"They would never ask for help, but we need to band together to support them now, however we can. Even though we cannot replace what they have lost, financial support during this time of struggle will help them in so many ways," said Silverii.

For more information or to donate click here.

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