Portland Gas Explosion: Hero Firefighter Says No to GoFundMe Help

Peter St. John, a lieutenant with Portland Fire & Rescue is being hailed as a hero. His bosses this week said that his actions as a gas leak was being investigated, saved lives.

Now, friends of the family have set up an account on GoFundMe - the crowdsourced fundraising site - to help the family with their bills.

The only problem?

They never asked the family if they needed help or even if it would be okay if they set up the fundraising page.

While the family appreciates the help, they are in good shape and have asked the friend to take down the site and return the money.

Since St. John was injured on the job, the city has his back - the costs of his surgery and medical care are being taken care of.

It's not clear if the family would have been able to even accept the money because, as a city employee, there are strict rules on what can be accepted. Fortunately, people close to the family tell Patch, St. John's medical bills will be covered and he won't have to worry about missing a paycheck while he recovers.

St. John, both of whose legs were broken in the blast, is recovering nicely