Fire Leaves Howell Family, Pet Dog Homeless

HOWELL, NJ — A North Jersey police officer and his family were left homeless on Saturday after a fire destroyed their home, according to police and friends.

The fire on Dutch Valley Road was reported shortly before 2 p.m., Howell Township police said.

Police arrived to find smoke billowing from the back of the house and the family, including their dog, had evacuated and were not injured. Video shared by Garden State News Network showed the smoke and flames at the home.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Howell Township Fire Bureau, and Monmouth County Fire Marshal.

Firefighters from the Southard Fire Department, Freewood Acres Fire Company, Squankum Fire Company, Ramtown Fire Company, Jackson Township Fire Department, Lakewood Fire Department and South Wall Fire Company responded, along with Howell Police EMS, and Howell Township First Aid.

The home is owned by a Rahway police officer, according to a GoFundMe campaign created by the Rahway PBA.

The officer, his wife, their young child and their dog were receiving emergency assistance from the Red Cross of New Jersey, but the Rahway PBA was raising funds to help with longer-term needs.

"This family has always been there to help others—both in their professional roles and as caring neighbors," the PBA said.

"The fire took away not only their home, but also all of their personal belongings and essentials for their young child," the PBA wrote. "The sudden loss has left them in urgent need of temporary housing and the means to start rebuilding their lives from scratch. Every contribution will go directly toward helping them find a safe place to stay and replacing the items they lost in the fire."

"The emotional and financial toll of such a tragedy is overwhelming, especially with a baby to care for, but together, we can help ease their burden and show them that their community stands behind them," the PBA said.

Those who wish to donate to the GoFundMe can do so online.