Four families displaced after massive fire spreads to multiple homes in Washington County
Four families and a total of 21 people, including 15 children, have been displaced as a result of an apartment complex fire in Washington County on Saturday afternoon.
Several fire crews were needed in California Borough to battle the flames at an apartment complex that ultimately spread to nearby homes around noon on Saturday.
The fire happened on Liberty Street and ultimately burned seven structures.
The fire caused flames and smoke to billow into the sky.
"I saw black smoke coming out of the side, and by the time I threw my clothes on and went outside, the whole garage was in flames," said James Robinson, a neighbor. "It didn't take long; within five minutes, that whole house was up."
Community rallies around those displaced
Support is pouring in for the families who lost their homes. Multiple fundraisers have already popped up, providing ways to support the families.
Multiple locations are accepting physical donations, from the local fire department, a church, and even at a Subway restaurant.
Inside the fire station, a room was full of donations, all from a single three-hour span, firefighters said.
"It's been fantastic," said Jeff Christner, whose sister and her family lost their home to the fire. They lost most of their belongings in the blaze.
"Things that they've been wanting and saving up for Christmas gifts just all gone within a few minutes, just burned," Christner said.
They are most in need of household goods, small furniture, mattresses, pillows and blankets, Christner said.
"There were, you know, people bringing water, freeze pops for the kids. I feel like there was a lot of closeness. It was people just trying to help each other out and be supportive for a bunch of kids that are terrified because they have lost everything," Christner said.
No one was trapped inside at the time of the fire, and the cause is under investigation.