Community Gathers Donations for Family that Lost Everything In Fire on Shinnecock Reservation

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — The Southampton community is opening their hearts family who lost everything they owned when their home burned to the ground in a fire early Friday.

While some on the Reservation, including family members, have said they believe that the fire was arson, New York State Police said Saturday that the fire is still under investigation.

The home burned to the ground during a blaze at a home on the Shinnecock Reservation. According to Southampton Village Mayor Mark Epley, the structure fire was reported at approximately 3:30 a.m.

Two adults and three children who were inside the home at the time of the fire escaped but lost everything, including their cars.

The home belonged to her Daniel Collins, Jr., said Bianca Collins, Collins' sister. Collins is the son of Shinnecock Tribal Trustee Daniel Collins.

Her brother, 30, is a former Southampton Police officer and member of the United States Army and Air Force, Collins said. He owns Done Right Home Improvement, a local construction company.

He and his wife Laura escaped the fire with their children.

"They live a quiet life on the reservation and if you spoke to anyone that knew them well they would say that my brother is a kind, hardworking man who loves his family," his sister said. "He was in the process of building his dream home in front of their current residence and later planned on selling their first home."

The fire swept away their dreams, Collins said.

"My brother and sister-in-law are devastated and my nieces and nephew are, as well. They lost both houses, all of their belongings and two cars to this fire, which has been determined as arson," Collins said. "We don't know who would have done this, but we have faith that the State Police and FBI will find the culprit."

Laura's sister Kimberly Krupski has started a GoFundMe page, "Support for the Collins Family," which has raised $2,924 of its $5,000 goal so far.

"Mayday! My sister's house burned to the ground; nothing survived," she wrote. "The family is safe, but we need help! Insurance may eventually cover things, but until then they will need clothes, food, transportation, and basic supplies for everyday self care."

Clothing and donations can also be dropped off at the community center on the Reservation.

Here's what's needed:

Children's clothing:

Boys' 4T,

Girls 6/7 and 10/12.

Shoe sizes: Boys, 9, Girls, 11 and 4.

To donate to the GoFundMe page, click here.

Photos courtesy of Bianca Collins.