Dog Killed In House Fire, Morris Co. Family ‘Loses Everything’

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — A fundraising campaign has been launched in support of a Morris County family who "lost everything" in a house fire Saturday night.

The fire broke out on Saturday, Feb. 25, at around 10 p.m. at a residence on Meggins Road, located in the Lake Telemark section of Rockaway Township.

According to the Rockaway Fire Department, no one was injured, however, one of the family dogs died.

The fire started in the kitchen, according to fire officials, though the cause of the fire has not yet been revealed.

"Jennifer Gares, her daughter, and her 2-year-old granddaughter lost their home as well as all of their belongings. Jenn and her family are in immediate need of finances to provide support for food, shelter, clothing, and immediate needs. They're a wonderful, caring family who is going through an extremely difficult time," according to the GoFundMe website, which was set up by community member, Tucker Kelley.

Clothes, diapers, checks, and gift cards are all currently being collected at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church on 508 Greenpond Roads.

Kelley also mentioned that housing will be needed; the family is currently staying with friends just outside the Lake Telemark community.

"We have had devastating tragedies in our community over the years and when the request for help was circulated for other families, Jennifer Gares always donated in many ways to help those in need," Kelley wrote.

The family's GoFundMe page has a $10,000 goal. As of Monday morning, it had raised more than $7,000. Click here to donate to the family.