Family Devastated By Fire 'Watched Helplessly As All Was Destroyed'; Friends Fundraising

CALVERTON, NY — One week after they lost everything in a devastating fire, friends are rallying to help a Calverton family pick up the pieces.

A GoFundMe page, "The Williams Family Fire Fund," has raised $3,065 of its $10,000 goal so far.

"On Friday, March 3, 2017, a massive fire gutted the Williams' family residence. It took over 90 firefighters several hours to douse the flames that were just too powerful to be kept at bay," the page reads. "Thankfully all members of the family who were home at the time were able to escape unharmed, even their adorable Goldendoodle, but they watched helplessly as all was destroyed before them.

Of course, losing a home and all your material possessions is a devastating thing. But the hardest hit comes from the years of memories, achievements, celebrations and family moments that were shared behind these doors that are gone and can be no more. Their 19-year-old son who is away at basic training for the Army learned that when he comes home from preparing to become part of the Armed Forces — he cannot come back to the home he grew up in or to any of his things.

We thank God that no one was injured. That's the greatest blessing of all. But now this family is charged with the overwhelming task of rebuilding their lives."

The page continues, "Any and every donation will help this family in the greatest way."

Firefighters rushed to the scene of the working massive blaze in Calverton, police said.

According to Riverhead Town Police, the fire broke out around 3:22 p.m. at a home on Alfred Avenue.

Upon arrival, the Riverhead Volunteer Fire Department found the garage area fully engulfed in flames, police said.
The occupants of the home were able to escape unharmed, police said.

The fire was extinguished by the Riverhead Volunteer Fire Department with assistance from neighboring fire departments; the house sustained extensive damage, the police said.

The Suffolk County Police arson squad responded to investigate the cause of the fire; the investigation is ongoing, police said.

The fire broke out across the street from the Riley Avenue Elementary School, sources at the scene said, but the school was neither evacuated nor impacted.

To donate, click here.

Photo of Riverhead Volunteer Fire Department's Madison Messina, who was in the bucket — she's a member of Washington Engine Company #2 — courtesy of Melissa Messina.