Here Is How You Can Help Fort Lee Fire Victims

FORT LEE, NJ — Several borough residents have been displaced after a fire destroyed their homes at the Linwood Park apartment building Thursday.

• The borough set up a GoFundMe page Friday to help displaced victims. More than $7,700 was donated within hours of the page going live. The borough wants to raise $20,000.
• Debbie Sinde also set up a GoFundMe page for the victims and firefighters who fought the blaze. She hopes to raise $5,000.

"The victims have lost everything, home, clothes, food, furniture," Sinde said. "They need to restore everything."

• The borough set up a donation center at the recreation center, 1500 8th St. Cash, grocery store gift cards, and checks will be accepted. Checks should be made payable to: The Charitable Foundation for Fort Lee.

Items most needed are: Gift cards, toiletries, including, combs, brushes, shampoo, conditioner, soap, body wash, cotton swabs, toothbrushes, toothpaste, small tissue packs, baby powder, adult disposable briefs, dental floss, body lotion, deodorant, feminine products, and disposable razors. New clothes with the tags still on them are also needed. Used clothes and food will not be accepted. Donations may be dropped off Fridays from noon to 9 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• The American Red Cross set up a permanent shelter at the high school for displaced victims. (See related: Red Cross Opens Shelter For Displaced Fort Lee Fire Victims)

The fire does not appear suspicious as authorities continue to investigate what caused it. (See related: Fort Lee Apartment Fire Does Not Appear Suspicious: Police)

The fire may have started in the building's southwest crawl space, but the exact cause and origin are being investigated by members of the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office, Sheriff's Department, and Fort Lee Police Department and Fire Prevention Bureau.

Three firefighters suffered minor injuries battling the blaze. No residents were injured, police said.

The fire began shortly before 5 p.m. and firefighters battled the blaze until 9 p.m. before finally bringing it under control. (See related: Fire Tears Through Fort Lee Apartment Building [Video])

Residents climbed down fire escapes to get out of the building, ABC7 reported.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com

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