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"My house unexpectedly caught on fire and we were rushed out of our home," Tiffany Alba said in a GoFundMe. "This has been a heart breaking hardship for us as we were only able to recover a few items."
Lynn firefighters responded to the fire at 44 Allerton Street just after 5:20 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 30, the Department of Fire Services said. Upon arrival, crews found heavy flames coming through the roof of the two-story home.
A second alarm was called shortly after crews arrived and investigation determined the fire started in the back of the building then spread up to the attic, the department said. Authorities said the fire was likely caused by smoking materials that were not thrown away properly.
“This fire began outside the building and grew significantly before smoke alarms inside detected it,” Lynn Fire Chief Stephen Archer said. “This is a scenario we see too often when cigarettes and other materials are discarded unsafely from outdoor stairways, porches, and balconies. If you smoke, or if you have guests who do, please – use a deep, sturdy ashtray with water or sand and put it out, all the way, every time.”
The building sustained "catastrophic" damage as a result, the department said. Overall, nine people were displaced and two sustained minor injuries. Alba's family set up the GoFundMe in hopes of raising enough money to help them relocate.
"We are a hardworking family and it hurts me to ask for help," she continued. "At this time, we do not have anywhere to stay besides a hotel for God knows how long. I am asking you all to please pray for my family."
The campaign had raised more than $3,000 of its $10,000 goal as of Thursday. People can donate by clicking here.
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