Caldwell Fire Leaves Residents Homeless Before Thanksgiving: Aid Efforts Underway

CALDWELL, NJ — Essex County community members have launched a series of aid efforts for the victims of a devastating fire that tore through multiple homes on Orchard Square in Caldwell last week.

In addition to multiple online fundraisers, relief efforts have come from the American Red Cross, members of the local business community such as the Cloverleaf Tavern and the Livingston Chamber of Commerce and the Caldwell Public Library. [See below for details]

The Nov. 4 blaze consumed multiple homes and forced the closure of Bloomfield Avenue, News 12 reported.

Two homes were completely destroyed by the blaze, and a third was severely damaged, displacing seven people in three families, Caldwell Fire Department officials stated.

Three firefighters and one civilian suffered minor injuries in the fire, Caldwell Fire Chief Gary Garamella told NewJerseyHills.com.

• See related article: Caldwell Fire Damages Multiple Homes

HOW TO HELP

Several online fundraisers have been started for families affected by the fire.

A GoFundMe campaign has been started for the McGowan family, who suffered the loss of their home in the blaze.

“On 11/4/16, my sister in law, Jean, and niece Audrey's home was destroyed by fire,” the campaign states. “We are all devastated for them and their neighbors who both lost their houses. They lost everything. Any donation would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.”

See the fundraiser here.

A separate fundraiser benefits the Harte family, whom the Livingston Chamber of Commerce called “part of our Livingston family in need of our help and support” in a Wednesday email newsletter.

“On Friday, November 4, my future brother-in-law, Ryan, his parents, Ellen and John, sister, Suzanne and their dog Elvis, had a terrible fire in their home,” the fundraising campaign states. “Luckily, no one was injured, and Elvis was able to get out safely. The Harte family lost everything in the fire. Any donation amount would be greatly appreciated so they can begin to rebuild.”

See the fundraiser here.

Another fundraiser has been launched for "John and Jess's Fire Fund."

According to the online campaign:

"John is my father and Jess is his girlfriend. They have a house in Caldwell, NJ. [On Nov. 4] there was a fire, it started at their neighbors house and my father smelt smoke and went outside and saw flames. He then called the fire department and it took the fire department an extended amount of time to get there, which only made matters worse. The fire spread and it took down their entire house. All their belongings, their clothes, their cars, furniture, everything in the house is gone. It would be much appreciated if you donated to my dad's cause. Thank you to all that contribute."

See the fundraiser here.

Checks and gift cards for all three families can be made out to the “Borough of Caldwell” with “Welfare Trust Fund” in the memo area, and can be dropped off at the Caldwell Public Library or to Maria Burak at the Health and Human Services Department in the Caldwell Community Center, NewJerseyHills.com reported.

In addition, the Caldwell Public Library will be accepting gift cards to Jack's Foodtown, Shop Rite, Target, Kohls, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Macy’s or any other store where the affected families could buy clothing and supplies. Cards can be dropped off at the library.

Photos: GoFundMe

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