ICYMI: 88 Prospect Park West Fire: Housing, Assistance Needed For Displaced Families

PARK SLOPE, BROOKLYN — A local official is asking for community help after four apartments were destroyed and families were displaced following a fire in a building on Prospect Park West.

One person and three firefighters suffered minor injuries in the blaze, which burned Saturday night at 88 Prospect Park West between Fourth and Fifth Streets, according to the FDNY. The accidental electrical fire started in a dumbwaiter shaft in the building's basement and was under control shortly after midnight early Sunday morning.

The building, though, still has no hot water, electricity and plumbing after the Saturday fire, according to City Councilmember Brad Lander.

"While we are grateful that no one was injured or worse, this is a tremendously difficult time for many of our neighbors," Lander said in a statement.

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Residents started an email address for anyone "interested in making a contribution or offering assistance: " 8688neighbors@gmail.com.

Some people won't be back in their homes "for the next couple of months," Lander said, and many have multiple pets. These people "are seeking places to stay in the neighborhood, so if you have available space or an open AirBnB unit, please be in touch!" Lander said.

"From the local response to Hurricane Sandy in 2012 to more recent gestures of solidarity coming out of #GetOrganizedBK, I am grateful to know that this is the kind of community that moves quickly to action in times of need," Lander said. "We will be in touch with any new information as we know it."

This story will be updated.

Editor's note: This story was originally published on Monday, March 6