Thousands Raised For Mastic Family After House Fire

MASTIC, NY — Thousands of dollars have been raised for a Mastic Family that experienced a house fire last week, according to a GoFundMe.

Multiple cats were rescued from the early-morning four-alarm fire on Sept. 29, fire officials said.

At around 5:37 a.m., the Mastic Fire Department was activated for a structure fire on Dressel Drive, and Chief Rudy Sunderman found smoke coming from the eaves and flames coming from the attic, according to a post on the fire department's Facebook page.

In addition to Mastic, firefighters from the Brookhaven, Ridge, and Manorville fire departments were called to the scene. Emergency Medical Services personnel from the Mastic Community Volunteer and Shirley ambulance companies were also activated.

The first fire crew stretched a hose line to the front door and went to the attic to knock down the fire, while the second did primary searches, finding multiple cats and bringing them to safety, the department said.

No one was hurt, Suffolk police said.

More than $7,000 has been raised for the Lombardo family after the fire, according to the fundraiser.

An attempt to reach the fundraiser's organizer was unsuccessful.

"A family that is always on the field, coaching or running snack stands, and always there for everyone else now needs help after their family had a house fire early Tuesday morning," the organizer wrote, adding that the family, including a mom, dad, and three boys, takes part in football, lacrosse, and soccer. "Thankfully, everyone and the animals are safe, but they lost so much and are now facing the reality of being displaced for the next year while their house is rebuilt."

"This fire has turned their daily life upside down. Instead of being at home together, they will be spending the holidays elsewhere, and trying to rebuild a sense of normalcy during a very difficult time," the organizer wrote. "For a family with three boys, being away from home for that long brings so many unexpected challenges."

The donations collected toward the $18,000 goal will help replace essentials lost in the fire, like new clothes, furniture, and other necessary household items, according to the organizer.

"Support from the community will help ease some of the burden as they work to recover and rebuild," they added.

"If you are able to give or share this fundraiser, it would mean so much to this family," the organizer wrote. "Any support will help remind them that they are not facing this alone."