'Starting Over': LI Fundraises For Family Displaced By Raging House Fire

NORTH BABYLON, NY — A raging house fire displaced a multi-generational Long Island family on Saturday after their home was destroyed by a blaze that hospitalized seven civilians and one firefighter, according to the North Babylon Volunteer Fire Company.

Firefighters said they responded to a house fire at 49 Embargo Place around 7:15 p.m. On their way to the scene, crews received a high number of calls and could see a column of smoke in the distance.

Upon arrival, "crews were met with a heavy fire load" and used "multiple hose lines" for an "aggressive attack" on the blaze that engulfed the home.

Now, the Long Island community is rallying to help the family rebuild their lives with a GoFundMe that was launched on Sunday.

Kellee Channer, who organized the fundraiser, wrote on the page:

"On the night of April 26, our family experienced something we never imagined—our home was destroyed in a fire.

"My mom, dad, brother, sister in law, and their two little daughters all lived in the house. Thankfully, they all made it out safely, but they lost everything. The clothes on their backs were all they had left. Among the losses were special items that meant so much —things that can never be replaced. This tragedy has shaken us deeply, and we’re now facing the difficult journey of starting over.

"Right now, our most urgent needs are clothing and shoes, especially for the two youngest kids in our family—ages 3 and 4 (girls). We also need basic clothes for the adults: my brother, sister, mom, and dad.

"We are asking for help from anyone willing to support us as we try to rebuild. Whether it’s a donation, a share, or just kind words—it means more than we can say.

"Thank you from the bottom of our hearts."

Click here to donate and help the family rebuild their lives.