Tag:
Disaster Recovery
Glen Burnie, MD
Business
Timeline Set To Stabilize Unsafe Glen Burnie Office Tower, But Businesses Still Face Long Wait
The first real timeline is finally taking shape after a near disaster in Maryland. A week after a structural emergency forced the evacuation of a 10-story Maryland office building, Anne Arundel County officials say remediation work at Empire Towers could begin soon, though businesses trapped inside still don't know when they'll be allowed back. The update came on Thursday, July 16, as County Executive Steuart Pittman announced the building's owner is working with a licensed structural engineering firm that has completed its evaluation of the Glen Burnie property. According to Pittman, cont…
Clinton, CT
Police & Fire
Family Left Homeless, Popular Donut Shop Closed After Clinton Strip Mall Fire
A Connecticut community is coming together to help a family that lost everything after a fire tore through a strip mall and the attached home where they lived. The fire broke out Saturday, May 30, at a Clinton commercial plaza on East Main Street that houses Beach Donut and several other businesses. Firefighters were called at approximately 9:45 a.m. and arrived to find heavy smoke and flames coming from the rear of the building. According to fire officials, the blaze spread rapidly through the attic because of strong winds. Crews brought the fire under control shortly after 10:15 a.m. Now…
Gaithersburg, MD
Police & Fire
Gaithersburg Fire Destroys Home Of Mom With Special Needs Child As Community Steps Up
Flames tore through a Maryland townhouse block, sending smoke into the sky and dozens of firefighters rushing in — but for one family, the real devastation came after the fire was out. The blaze broke out in Gaithersburg when a two-alarm fire ripped through homes along the 19500 block of Taverney Drive on Monday evening, March 23, according to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue officials. Crews were dispatched around 6:15 p.m. to reports of heavy fire on a rear deck that quickly spread inside and into neighboring homes. 19500blk Taverney Drive(Gaithersburg)- townhouse fire caused da…
East Meadow, NY
Lifestyle
Family Starts Over After Late-Night Fire Destroys East Meadow Home; Community Support Swells
Support is rising for a Long Island family after a late-night house fire forced them from their home, destroying nearly all of their belongings. The fire broke out late Saturday night, Feb. 7, at the East Meadow home of Kim and Ralph Maresco and their two sons. The family escaped safely thanks to the quick response of the North Bellmore Fire Department, according to a GoFundMe campaign organized by Darlene Paskiewicz. No injuries were reported, but the home sustained extensive damage and personal belongings inside were destroyed. “[They] experienced every family’s worst nightmare, their ho…
Fredericksburg, VA
Police & Fire
Virginia Family Left With Nothing After Overnight Fire Destroys Childhood Home
A Virginia family is starting over from scratch after a late-night house fire tore through their home, leaving five people displaced and wiping out nearly everything they owned. The fire broke out just before midnight on Friday, Jan. 30, at a home in the 2500 block of Pipers Gap Road, where crews arrived to find the residence already heavily involved, according to the Galax Fire Department. By the time the flames were knocked down hours later, the damage was complete. The Frost family lost their home in the Virginia fire. Galax Fire Department The house — a childhood home filled wi…
Yonkers, NY
News
Disabled Veteran, Wife Displaced After Devastating 3-Alarm House Fire In Yonkers
A disabled veteran and his wife, who works as a nurse, are recovering from the loss of nearly all their belongings after a devastating three-alarm fire tore through their Westchester home. The early-morning blaze broke out at a home in the Homefield section of Yonkers, the city's fire department said on Saturday, August 2. According to the department, firefighters arrived to find smoke and heavy fire showing from the structure. An aggressive interior attack was launched, and crews were ultimately able to place the third-alarm fire under control. Westchester County Legislator Ja…
Hagerstown, MD
Politics
Maryland AG Brown Fights Trump Over Elimination Of Key AmeriCorps Services
Thousands of Marylanders could lose access to education, housing, environmental programs, and senior services after the Trump administration abruptly gutted AmeriCorps, Attorney General Anthony Brown said Tuesday. On Tuesday, April 29, Brown announced a lawsuit against the Trump administration over its decision to dismantle AmeriCorps — a move that wiped out more than $12 million in Maryland-based programs overnight. “This is a direct attack on the communities that rely on national service to survive and thrive,” Brown said in a statement. “In Maryland alone, programs that educate children,…
Alexandria, VA
Politics
Elon Musk’s Role In Dismantling Federal Agency Likely Violated Constitution, Judge Rules
Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) likely violated the Constitution in "multiple ways" in their efforts to permanently dismantle the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), a federal judge has just ruled. By doing so, DOGE deprived Congress of its authority over the agency’s dissolution, Judge Theodore D. Chuang of the US District Court for the District of Maryland said. The landmark ruling on Tuesday, March 18, marks a significant moment, as it appears to be the first time a judge has directly intervened against Mu…
Potomac, MD
Police & Fire
Two-Alarm Fire Collapses Potomac Mansion (
Developing
)
A massive fire tore through a home in Montgomery County, leaving a family of six displaced—but not before firefighters managed to save a group of newly acquired baby chicks, officials said. The fire broke out at around 3:30 p.m. on Monday, March 3, in a large single-family home on Mary Mead Court in Potomac, according to Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service spokesperson Pete Piringer. Firefighters were dispatched after a call came in from the homeowners reporting flames coming from the roof. The scene of the fire in Montgomery County. Twitter/@mcfrsPIO When first r…
Drexel Hill-Upper Darby, PA
News
Philadelphia Plane Crash Leaves Resident Homeless, GoFundMe Launched
The Jet Rescue Air Ambulance crash in Northeast Philadelphia displaced countless residents, including Cornelius “CJ” Fannin, who lost his home and all of his belongings in the tragedy. CJ’s Story: Starting Over After Losing Everything CJ had just finished work when he learned the devastating news—his home had been destroyed in the fiery plane crash that claimed multiple lives and impacted 343 homes in the neighborhood. “As a single male with no family or support in the area, I find myself completely lost and homeless,” CJ shared on his GoFundMe campaign. “Everything I built over the years…
Leesburg, VA
Business
Middleburg Pizzeria Wages Unexpected Battle After Pipe Bursts, Asbestos Uncovered
A small-town pizza shop that has been serving up slices for 35 years in Loudoun County is facing an unexpected crisis, and the community is coming together to help keep its doors open. Teddy’s Pizza & Subs, a family-owned favorite that has been a local staple for decades in Middleburg, was forced to shut down indefinitely after burst pipes flooded the restaurant, causing major damage and exposing asbestos in the walls and ceiling, the owners' family said. Damage at Teddy's Pizza & Subs GoFundMe Unfortunately we will be closed for the next few days until we can get …
Southern Anne Arundel, MD
Politics
Maryland Delegate Dana Jones Announces Run For District 30 Senate Seat
Maryland Delegate Dana Jones is officially entering the race for the 30th District Senate seat, vowing to continue her track record of delivering results for the community. Jones announced her candidacy on Nov. 21 to fill the vacant 30th District Senate seat, emphasizing her commitment to collaboration, community priorities, and proven leadership. In her announcement, Jones highlighted her legislative accomplishments over the past four and a half years. "Since I first took office, my promise to you has been my steadfast commitment to promoting, fighting, and advocating for the needs …
Riverhead, NY
News
FEMA Denies Emergency Assistance For Suffolk County Residents After Devastating Flooding
The federal government declined to help New York homeowners who were impacted by last summer’s severe flooding. Following a preliminary damage assessment on Long Island by the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FMEA), the agency stated that Suffolk County did not meet the severity requirements for assistance. Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office expressed disappointment over the decision but vowed to appeal it. Earlier Report: Homeowners Impacted By Suffolk Co. Flooding Could Get Up To $50K In Repair Grants; Here's How “(We) will continue fighting to ensure storm-impacted residents…
Camp Hill, PA
Police & Fire
Community Rallies To Help Enola Woman After Devastating Fire
Kate’s life took an unexpected and tragic turn when a fire engulfed her home, leaving her with nothing but memories and the support of her community. Now, friends and neighbors have come together to launch a GoFundMe campaign to help her start over. The devastating fire, which happened in the 200 block of Wyoming Avenue in East Pennsboro Township at 10:52 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5, destroyed everything Kate owned, from personal keepsakes to essential belongings — including one of her cats. Facing the daunting task of rebuilding her life from the ground up, Kate’s loved ones have created a GoF…
Cortlandt, NY
News
Soldiers Stationed In Cortlandt Sent To Help Helene Recovery Efforts As Death Toll Hits 200
Several engineer soldiers with the New York State National Guard, including some stationed in Northern Westchester, have been sent to help southern communities bounce back from the damage caused by Hurricane Helene. A total of 20 engineer soldiers, including some stationed at Camp Smith in Cortlandt, have been deployed to South Carolina to support the recovery efforts, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Thursday, Oct. 3. There, they will report to the South Carolina Army National Guard's Readiness Center in Greenville, South Carolina. They were deployed alongside 17 pieces of heavy equipment, i…
Riverhead, NY
News
Homeowners Impacted By Suffolk Co. Flooding Could Get Up To $50K In Repair Grants; Here's How
Help is on the way for Long Island homeowners who were impacted by severe flooding. Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a disaster emergency for Suffolk County on Friday, Aug. 23, following this week’s record rainfall that resulted in major flooding to homes and businesses, and washed out several roads. Hochul’s office also announced that impacted homeowners may be eligible for grants of up to $50,000 to fund or reimburse certain qualifying health and safety related repairs not covered by insurance or other relief programs. Earlier Report: 'We Will Rebuild': Powerful Storm, Flooding Leave Tr…
Cherry Hill, NJ
News
Engaged Couple Loses 'Dream Home' In South Jersey Fire, Campaign Says
An engaged couple from Camden County has lost everything just six months after closing on their "dream home," according to a fundraising campaign. Rich Derer and his fiancée, Tiffany Siligato, lost their home in Lindenwold to a gas fire on Sunday, June 23, GoFundMe organizer Vicki Ade wrote. Scene of the Sunday, June 23 house fire in Lindenwold. GoFundMe Lindenwold firefighters responded to their 7th Avenue home around 2:30 that morning, with flames on the front of the home extending to the neighbors' house, they said. "Rich and Tiffany had been eagerly preparing for their future t…
White Plains, NY
News
Federal Assistance For Flood Recovery Approved For Westchester, Long Island: Hochul
The federal government has approved funding for local governments in Westchester and Long Island to help communities devastated by heavy rain and flooding, officials announced. In an announcement on Wednesday, Jan. 31, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said that her request for a Major Disaster Declaration in Westchester, Nassau, and Kings counties was approved by President Joe Biden, allowing communities in these areas to receive federal assistance in recovering from severe flooding in September 2023. The declaration will allow the federal government to fund recovery and reconstruction…
Brentwood, NY
News
Suffolk Now Qualifies For Federal Financial Relief For Storm Ida
Additional relief is coming for the Suffolk County victims of Tropical Depression Ida following a disaster declaration due to the damage caused by the storm. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that Suffolk County has been the latest locale to be approved for a “Major Disaster Declaration” to provide federal financial relief. The federal funding will deliver both Individual and Public Assistance for eligible New Yorkers recovering from flooding and other storm-related damages caused by the remnants of Ida. Suffolk also qualifies for the In…
Armonk, NY
News
Storm Ida: Nine Deaths Now Reported In NY, Recovery Effort Update
Gov. Kathy Hochul gave New Yorkers an update on the state's recovery efforts after Tropical Depression Ida carved a destructive path through the region, with record rainfall and nine reported deaths in the state. Hochul gave the update during a news conference on Thursday, Aug. 2, at the Great Neck Long Island Rail Road station in Nassau County. Hochul said the Port Washington Line was disrupted and workers and trying to restore the tracks so they'll be safe again. "What we saw last night was nothing short of unprecedented. I cannot imagine a community having gone through …
Fairfield, CT
Police & Fire
Fairfield County Condo Fire Displaces 16 Families, Injures Four
More than 16 families including 27 adults and two children were left homeless following a devasting fire at a Fairfield County condo complex that also injured three people and a firefighter.The blaze broke just before 4 p.m. Wednesday at the condos located at 658 Success Ave., in Stratford, said Stratford Deputy Chief and Fire Marshal Brian Lampart. More than 25 firefighters from both Stratford and the Bridgeport fire departments worked for more than two hours in the extreme heat to extinguish the fire in the complex which included 30 units under one roof, Lampart said. "The fire appea…
Ridgefield Park-Hasbrouck Heights, NJ
Police & Fire
Owners Of Burned-Out Little Ferry Pizzeria Vow To Rebuild, Community Offers To Help
Nick and Joann Fytros had only recently bought Zio’s Pizza in Little Ferry, but their family restaurant quickly built a large and devoted customer base – many of whom were offering prayers and donations Thursday to help the couple recover from a crippling fire the night before. “We are beyond devasted,” Joann Fytros wrote in a Facebook morning post, “but as most of you know Nick is a fighter and will come back from this.” Fytros, an EMT with Moonachie First Aid & Rescue Squad, also asked for prayers for a family – a husband, wife, 17-year-old daughter and dog -- who were displaced after…
Paterson, NJ
Police & Fire
Tabernacle Saved, Though Hearts Ache: Flames Destroy North Haledon Chapel
Students cried Friday morning as they walked past the soot-covered windows of the chapel at Mary Help of Christians Academy in North Haledon, which was destroyed by an overnight fire. Inside, the altar was charred, pews had melted and the Peragallo pipe organ was ravaged. This after work was completed just two years ago to repair water damage. “Though our hearts are heavy, we are fortunate to be able to report that no one was harmed and that firemen were able to rescue the most precious item in the chapel: the tabernacle,” the St. Joseph Province of the Salesian Sisters wrote. A “testamen…
Stratford, CT
Police & Fire
Family Impacted By Stratford House Fire Getting A Helping Hand
The American Red Cross is assisting a Stratford family that is cleaning up the damage from a Wednesday afternoon house fire. Firefighters were dispatched to a Mary Avenue home at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon, where there were reports of a structure fire, officials said. The call came as crews were cleaning up from an earlier fire on Howard Street. Fire officials said that the initial investigation determined fire originated on a kitchen stove and quickly spread to several nearby appliances and cabinets. Firefighters were able to knock down the flames quickly and the damage…
