Ortley Beach Fire Devastating For Neighbors, Too, Family Says

TOMS RIVER, NJ — When a fire ripped through a Fielder Avenue home last Friday, consuming the house, it left a family facing rebuilding for the second time since Superstorm Sandy.

But the Ingrams weren't the only ones facing that predicament.

George and Shirley Walters, whose home is next door to the Ingrams' property, find themselves in a similar predicament: a lifetime of memories severely damaged in the fast-moving fire. Read more: Ortley Beach Fire Destroys Home, Damages 2 Others

"George has lived in this home since he was 7 years old," his daughter, Nancy Rose, wrote in a GoFundMe campaign to help her parents. "He is the only original resident to still live on Fielder Avenue at the ripe old age of 88."

Walters' parents were the original owners of the property, which — like hundreds of others in Ortley Beach, was destroyed in Sandy.

"The Walters did not have flood insurance due to the high cost, and they did not realize that a Hurricane of this magnitude would ever damage this shore area," their daughter wrote. As a result, the couple rebuilt their home using their life savings. It was a process that took several years, and in the process, they suffered the additional heartache of losing their granddaughter, Jessica, to non-Hodgkins lymphoma, Nancy Rose wrote.

"Finally, this past summer, everything was getting back to normal, and they were enjoying the home the way it was meant to be," Nancy wrote. "Everyone was looking forward to the summer, but then the fire happened, and destroyed all of that."

"George has always helped the people of Fielder with their home repairs, giving advice, having people over for meals and cocktails, or just sitting in his yard talking to friends and family," she wrote. "We need to let George and Shirley enjoy their home while they are listening to Jimmy Buffet, having a cocktail, and watching the people walk to the beach. They are what the Jersey shore is all about!"

The GoFundMe campaign can be found here for those who wish to donate.

For those who do not want to contribute to the GoFundMe campaign, Keller Williams Shore Properties is collecting donations (gift cards) at Route 35 North, Suite B, in Ortley and its Lavallette office at the corner of Route 35 North and Brooklyn Avenue. All donations will go directly to the affected families.

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