Fire Destroys Morristown Family's Home, Fundraiser Launched

MORRISTOWN, NJ — A Morristown family lost everything in a fire that ripped through their home, including one of their beloved pets. A fundraiser has been organized to assist the family in getting back on their feet.

The seven-member family escaped unharmed from a fire on Catherine Lane in Morristown early Sunday, April 23. Although the family dog escaped, they lost their beloved pet cat.

The GoFundMe drive, set up by John Gulisano, the brother of one of the homeowners, had raised nearly all of its $50,000 goal by Monday afternoon.

Gulisano stated on the fundraiser page that his brother's family had lived in the house for 27 years and had lost almost everything.

The fire, which started around 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 23, was declared a 3rd alarm structure fire, necessitating the assistance of neighboring fire crews.

At roughly 5 a.m., Brookside Engine Company was requested into Morristown to cover the town while the Morristown Fire Bureau and Morristown FMBA 43 operated at the Catherine Lane house.

Crews from Randolph Township Fire Department, 4th Battalion Ironia, and Mount Tabor Volunteer Fire Department stood by for approximately three hours before returning to service, officials said.

Fire officials say the fire likely started on the first floor, and the cause does not appear suspicious, according to News 12.

"While the Morristown and surrounding fire departments did a fantastic job, they could not stop the blaze before it rendered the house uninhabitable, and they lost most of their possessions. They were only able to leave with the clothes they were wearing," Gulisano said.

The GoFundMe set up less than 24 hours ago has already raised almost $41,230 of the $50,000 goal to help the family. To donate or learn more about the fundraiser, click here.

Patch reached out to fire officials on Monday morning and will add details as they become available.