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The fire happened at the Hillcrest Park Condominiums on Thursday morning, Jan. 5, and ultimately ended up in the complex's Building 3 being demolished, destroying 16 units, according to Peekskill city officials.
The battle to put out the flames, which took around 14 hours, was affected by a loss of water pressure condominium's privately owned hydrants. This made it difficult to douse the fire, city officials said.
During the long effort, one person was rescued from inside the building by firefighters, who experienced "intense heat" while saving the resident and were then forced to remain outside and use "defensive tactics," according to Peekskill Professional Firefighters Local 2343.
Although the property's hydrants were not properly working, fire officials were eventually able to use hydrants from surrounding roads as alternate water sources. Despite this though, the building was considered a total loss and was later demolished.
Now, the residents of the 16 units that were destroyed are left without a home. Because of this, community members are rallying to source donations for them.
One way to help out the victims is to donate to the Salvation Army, which is directing the effort to both collect and distribute donations for the displaced residents. Those interested in sending money to the organization can contact them by calling 914-737-0280.
Additionally, a GoFundMe page has been started for 72-year-old Emanuel Gonzalez, who lost everything in the fire and faces a struggle in finding a new place to live.
"My father has worked very hard all his life to have a place to live while he is retired. Now that he is 72 years old he is overwhelmed about his future at his retired age. They have to start again looking for a place to live," his daughter Anabeli wrote on the page, adding that he is unable to work because of a medical condition.
As of around 12:30 on Monday, Jan. 9, nearly $500 had been raised for Gonzalez. The ultimate goal for the fundraiser is $15,000.
Those interested in donating to the GoFundMe page can do so by clicking here.
Numerous other GoFundMe pages for residents have been created as well:
- A fundraiser for Jessica Fitzpatrick, who lost two cats in the fire;
- A fundraiser for Jenna Reilly, who also lost her home;
- A fundraiser for Ashley Evangelisto;
- A fundraiser for Valerie Pawlows, who also lost a pet;
- A fundraiser for Linda Gadaleta, who also lost diabetes medication in the blaze;
- A fundraiser for Raj Dhillon, who lost every belonging she had including her book collection;
- A fundraiser for Adrienne Fauntleroy, who needs to find a new home for her and her 10-year-old son.
A Facebook page has also been created as a list of ways to help the residents.
Peekskill officials are now investigating the cause of the fire and will share more information once it is available.
"Please keep our displaced residents in your thoughts and prayers, and let us come together as a community to help them during this challenging time," officials said.
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