Friends Raise Funds For Woman Pulled From Burning Home By Heroes

HAMPTON BAYS, NY — Friends are reaching out to help a Hampton Bays woman who was pulled by heroesfrom her burning home last week before a propane tank exploded.

"My good friend Valerie lost everything last night in a house fire," wrote Sherry Renkens, who created a GoFundMe page, "Please Help!", which has raised $2,115 of its $7,000 goal so far.

"She needs our help. Please help me try to get her clothes and personal items. Val also lost one of her beloved dogs. She is devastated over the loss. Any amount will help! Thank you," Renkens wrote.

Heroes rescued the woman and her dog from a burning home in Hampton Bays Thursday, police said. Sadly, one of her two dogs did not survive.

According to Southampton Town Police, a call came in at 10:50 p.m. Thursday night about a possible structure fire at 34 Springville Road in Hampton Bays.

Southampton Town Police Detective Tim Wilson and Police Officer Christopher Florea immediately responded to the scene, police said.

Detective Wilson, the first arriving officer, reported observing the building being consumed by fire.

A concerned neighbor alerted Wilson that the residence was still occupied by a female and her dogs.

Wilson entered the burning residence and located the female woman, who appeared to be in a state of shock, police said.

Police Officer Christopher Florea arrived, as well as Hampton Bays Fire Department Assistant Fire Chief James Kappers; both entered the residence to help Wilson, and pulled the woman and one of her dogs to safety, police said.

Wilson, Florea, and Kappers attempted to re-enter the residence to rescue the second dog, but were forced to retreat by the thickening smoke and overwhelming heat, police said.

A third responding officer, Police Officer Robert McCoy, was able to move the victim, her surviving dog, and her vehicle out of the driveway to a safe location before a propane tank exploded on the property, further damaging the structure and causing damage to a neighboring residence, police said.

The Hampton Bays Fire Department, East Quogue Fire Department, Southampton Fire Department, Flanders Fire Department, Hampton Bays Volunteer Ambulance, as well as New York State Troopers also responded to the scene, police said.

The Southampton Town Detective Division and Southampton Town Fire Marshals are investigating the cause of the fire.

No injuries were report to any responding emergency personnel.

To donate and help, click here.

Photo courtesy of GoFundMe.