$55K Raised For Wayne Family Who Lost Dog In Devastating House Fire

WAYNE, NJ — A Wayne Township family is mourning their beloved dog, after a fire Saturday night that also left their home uninhabitable.

Two firefighters from Packanack Lake Company #5 were injured while battling the second-alarm blaze on Lenox Road, officials said. Both are expected to be okay, Mayor Christopher Vergano said in a social media post.

Wayne Fire Companies 2, 3, and 5 were first on scene, after 911 reports of heavy fire coming from the residence just before 10 p.m. The residents were not home at the time, officials said.

Firefighters entered through the front door with a hose line and began a search for the dog, named Cali. Fire officials said that heavy flames and smoke on the first and second floors kept them from advancing too far into the house.

"Multiple additional lines were put into operation and firefighters from the three companies operated for several hours extinguishing the fire," said Company #5 in a Facebook post.

Officials are still determining the cause of the fire, which significantly damaged the home.

Friends of homeowner Andrea Jobst started an online fundraiser for her and her three children, where people have donated more than $55,000 to help.

The loss of their dog Cali, and the extensive damage to the home and their belongings has "dealt a severe and emotional and financial blow" to the family, said the fundraiser's organizer Jen Graf.

"The bond between Cali and the family was deep, and they are devastated by this profound loss," she wrote. "Coping with the absence of Cali adds an extra layer of grief as they navigate rebuilding their lives from scratch after losing their home and belongings."

Jobst is a registered dietician and health coach who runs A. Jobst Nutrition, according to her website. Donations to the GoFundMe will directly support her and her family, whom Graf said are "known for their kindness and selflessness."

"This is an opportunity for our community to rally together and show solidarity with a family that has consistently been a source of support for others," she said.

The Wayne First Aid Squad and Wayne Police also responded to the scene. Wayne Fire Companies 1 and 4 remained available for other calls in the township, and Company #1 did assist with overhaul at the scene.

Fire companies from Pequannock, Lincoln Park, and Pompton Lakes provided mutual aid coverage for the township, said officials.