The Community Has Raised More Than $50K For A Lansdale Family Who Lost Home In Fire

LANSDALE, PA — Community members rallying behind a Lansdale family who lost their home in a devastating house fire just days before Christmas have thus far successfully raised close to $50,000 in donations aimed at helping the displaced residents.

A GoFundMe page that was set up to raise money for the family, and lists a total of $100,000, has now raised just over $48,000, nearly half of its goal.

The GoFundMe appears to have been set up by a "Kristin C.," who says she is the daughter of the homeowners, identified as the Guertse family.

Patch previously reported on the fire, which occurred on Dec. 21 at a home on the 700 block of Hancock Street in Lansdale Borough.

On his Facebook page, Ed Guertse, the owner of the now-destroyed home, posted on Dec. 28 that the family dog, Ziggy, was later found deceased in the kitchen of the home after failing to make it out alive.

However, the family has yet to find their cat, Minnie, who is also believed to have perished in the blaze.

Guertse posted that his family is "moving forward planning to rebuild and stay in our amazing community.

"I will keep everyone updated with all answers and facts moving forward," he posted.

Guertse thanked the first responders who were called to the home to fight the fire, and said his thoughts and prayers were with Lansdale firefighter Jim Gray who suffered second-degree burns on his face as he was assisting on the call.

The Fairmount Volunteer Fire Company lists Gray as an active member of the department.

An updated condition on Gray was not immediately available.

Guertse stated that investigators have not yet determined the cause of the fire.

In his Facebook post, Guertse also thanked State Rep. Steve Malagari, D-53, for allowing his district office to serve as a drop-off site for donated items designed to help the family get back on its feet.

"Such an amazing person!" Guertse said of Malagari. "So helpful to our family and community."