Late on Saturday, May 20, more than 100 first responders from Harford County and other neighboring municipalities were called to Witchhazel Way in Aberdeen, when a deck fire rapidly spread and damaged nearly a dozen homes while causing $5 million in damages.
In total, fire officials say that at least eight homes were damaged, with several completely destroyed, leaving 26 scrambling to find temporary housing amid the ongoing investigation into the blaze.
Following the devastating fire, Kyle Rothrock, the president of the Hollywoods II Homeowners Association, set up a GoFundMe campaign to help support the displaced families, some of whom lost everything and are now being aided by the American Red Cross and Harford County Disaster Assistance personnel.
“The families literally only have the clothes on their backs,” he wrote. “This was a terrifying event for these families as well as the whole community.
“The local community has banded together and small donations of clothes and supplies are collected but this is just the beginning for these families and they will need a lot more.”
In just two days, the fundraiser has already garnered more than $11,000 in donations that were shared by 134 different well-wishers.
“The community is asking for everyone come together and donate to this cause to help these people out,” Rothrock continued. “Thank you very much for your generosity in this devastating time, the families will greatly appreciate your donations.”
Anyone interested in donating to the Hollywood II GoFundMe campaign can do so here.
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