$22K Raised For Family Who Lost Home, 7 Pets In Passaic Co. Fire

TOTOWA, NJ — A local family suffered a devastating house fire and the loss of all their pets on Sunday afternoon, and neighbors have opened their hearts and pocketbooks to help them recover.

Firefighters from multiple companies battled the blaze on Crestwood Court for about an hour after receiving a call at 3:19 p.m., according to the Totowa Fire Department.

This was the home of the Martinez family, according to a GoFundMe started Sunday by close family friend Daisy Garcia. Parents Mike and Tara have three children, Garcia said, and the family's three dogs and four cats died in the fire.

As of Tuesday afternoon, people have donated more than $22,100 and surpassed the initial goal of $20,000. More than 325 people donated to help the family.

The Totowa Fire Department confirmed that the house sustained heavy fire damage and is now uninhabitable. Firefighters from West Paterson, Little Falls, and Paterson helped Totowa crews at the scene, the fire department said. Haledon and Wayne fire crews helped cover the rest of Totowa's district.

Totowa Fire also thanked the Totowa Police Department and First Aid Squad.

Fire officials did not list any injuries to inhabitants or firefighters.