'I Grew Up In That House, And It's Just All Gone:' Grandparents Lose Everything, Including Pet Bird, In Fire

NORTH BELLMORE, NY — Two grandparents lost everything, including their beloved pet bird, in a house fire on Feb. 7.

When the North Bellmore Fire Department arrived around 6 p.m., the 2-story home was fully engulfed in the fire, fire marshals said. Approximately 120 firefighters were on scene battling the flames, fire marshals said.

Granddaughter and Bellmore resident Julia Reilly said this has been devastating to her grandparents, especially since their bird, Pippin, did not survive the fire.

Reilly said the fire started in the garage, but the cause is still undetermined. This is contrary to popular belief, as people have been speculating, Reilly said; the fire was not caused by an electric vehicle, as they did not own one.

"I grew up in that house, and it's just all gone," Reilly said. "It’s kind of crazy to wrap your head around that everything you’ve ever known is just gone like that."

The grandparents are native to East Meadow, but relocated to Bellmore in 2005 and have lived in the home ever since. Her grandmother wants to share with the community how truly grateful she is with the support they have been given during this time of tragedy.

The grandparents, originally from East Meadow, relocated to Bellmore in 2005 and had lived in the home ever since. Reilly said her grandmother wants her community to know how much the kindness and care they’ve received has meant during this tragic time.

"My grandparents are overwhelmed with the amount of support that they received from their community," she said.

A GoFundMe has been launched to help the couple rebuild after tragedy, and it has raised more than $30K from almost 300 donors.

Reilly added that her family has been deeply touched by the generosity and encouragement they’ve received.

"The amount of support that it has given us is just unfathomable, and we really appreciate it," she said. "We’re at a loss for words. It has helped us a lot through this hard time."