Fundraiser For Family Devastated By Maui Fires Started By Long Valley Woman

LONG VALLEY, NJ — A Long Valley resident is raising money to help her family, who have been affected by what is being called the deadliest wildfire in the United States in more than a century.

Crystal DeZao started a GoFundMe page this week after a fire swept through centuries-old Lahaina, Hawaii, last week, destroying nearly every building in the town of approximately 13,000 people.

According to DeZao, her parents, Richard and Betsy Murray, have lived in Lahaina for their entire lives, serving the community through Kaanapali Beach Ministry Church and Lahaina Ice Company.

"We believe they have lost everything in this horrific tragedy, including their home and business," DeZao said.

Her brother, Ricky Murray, and his family have also lost their home and business in Lahaina, DeZao said.

"We grew up in Lahaina and Ricky’s roots run deep, and West Maui has always been his home. They will need as much support as we can give them. Please continue to keep our families, friends, and hometown community of Lahaina in your prayers," DeZao said.

The fires, which were fueled by a dry summer and strong winds from a passing hurricane, were unexpected, leaving once-busy streets littered with rubble and burned-out cars. More than 50 people have died as a result of the wildfire, and the death toll is expected to rise.

Read more: Maui Wildfires: At Least 55 Dead; Residents Given Little Warning

The fire is the deadliest in the United States since the Camp Fire in California in 2018, which killed at least 85 people and destroyed the town of Paradise.

DeZao's fundraiser has generated more than $6,000 as of Tuesday afternoon.

To donate to the GoFundMe, click here.