1 Week After Deadly North Fork Fire, Donations Continue To Pour In

MATTITUCK, NY — One week after a fire thatripped through a Mattituck home, leaving 1 dead and 11 displaced, donations from a caring community continue to pour in.

Edy Herrera, 26, of Mattituck is the man whose body was found in the rubble after the raging blaze on Tuesday, November 19, according to both friends and his obituary at the Defriest-Grattan Funeral Home. He was 26 years old. Arrangements are pending.

Boxes and boxes of donations were brought to one home and collection site on the North Fork; now, for those still wishing to donate, there's a cash jar at CJ's American Grill, at the Mattituck Plaza in Mattituck — where Herrera worked and where hearts are broken.

Gift cards, as well as new, unwrapped holiday gifts and toiletries can also now be dropped off at the Rowan Craft Boutique, located at 53345 Main Road, in the Feather Hill shopping plaza in Southold.

Wendy Zuhoski of Wendy's Deli, who also collected donations and gift cards last week, posted a note of gratitude on Facebook: "This one was a tough one. A tough, emotional week for so many, but once again, you blew us away with your kindness! I’m beyond grateful for the donations that poured in these last two days. I’m so thankful for your kindness and generosity. Your willingness to help is a true gift. Living in our community is also a true gift. I’m not sure how to say 'thank you' enough."

She added: "The Morales family has been coming to the deli for many years, and we truly appreciate all your help trying to get them back on their feet after that horrific fire. I’m humbled by your kindness to help them rebuild their lives. Thank you."

The Morales family was one of those living in the home. After the fire, the American Red Cross told Patch they registered a total of five households and 11 individuals — including four children— for emergency assistance, including financial assistance. All 11 people registered are from the same address, the Red Cross said.

The community opened its hearts immediately to help those left homeless: A GoFundMe, "Support Erick Morales' Family After Fire," was created by Audrey Dwyer and raised $90,000.

"Early this morning, one of our local families suffered a terrible loss. A fire swept through the house of Erick Morales. They lost everything. On behalf of the whole North Fork community and Rafael Morais (community liaison), we are asking for help to support this wonderful, hardworking family in rebuilding. Thank you for your generosity," she said.

"The family is devastated," said another local resident collecting donations to help. Even three vehicles were lost, she said.

According to Southold Police Chief Steve Grattan, the Suffolk County homicide squad is now handling the investigation.

Grattan said a 911 call came in at about 9:45 a.m. Tuesday about a fire at a residential home near Sound and Westphalia Avenues. The first responding officer arrived at the scene within one minute and observed that a portion of the house was already heavily engulfed in flames and the fire was spreading rapidly, he said.

One person was transported to Peconic Bay Medical Center for precautionary evaluation, Grattan said.

The structure suffered significant damage and collapsed, Grattan said.