Fund Set Up for Family Involved in Salem Blaze

An online fundraiser has been established to help a local family that lost much of their possessions in a fire that swept through a small cottage on Atkinson Road Tuesday.

The relief fund, set up on Fundly.com, was created to help Tom Heaphy, a manager at Canobie Lake Park, and his wife Neusimar, who lived in the home at 20a Atkinson Road for 10 years.

The cause of the fire is still unknown, but according to the message written on the fundraiser page, "the home has been deemed a total lost."

The message goes on to read that the husband and wife are without clothes or the most basic of housewares.

"The photos and memories lost cannot be replaced, but any amount donated is well utilized in helping them move forward," it reads.

A goal of $2,000 has been set for the relief fund, and $180 has already been donated to the cause through the help of six donations.

The incident was first reported to Salem Fire at 2:38 p.m., and the blaze took about an hour to get under control. A 10-year-old cat was retrieved from the apartment and saved by firefighters.

A larger home on the property, 20 Atkinson Road, is owned by longtime Salem residents Tony and Mary Coco.

To contribute to the relief fund, visit this link.