EMERSON, N.J.—Mayor Danielle DiPaola expressed her pride in how “the family town” came together to help three families left homeless in the wake of a three-alarm fire last Monday.
No injuries were reported in the blaze, which destroyed the three-family house at 66 Clinton St. in the pre-dawn hours of Nov. 23. Fire officials said the fire started in a vehicle parked in the driveway and quickly spread to the house. When the Emerson Fire Department arrived on scene they saw flames licking out from the roof.
The call came in just before 4 a.m. There were approximately 13 people in the house, including eight children, said Fire Marshal Rich Silvia. Joining the fight were fire departments from Hillsdale, Oradell, Westwood, and Paramus.
DiPaola wrote on the borough’s Facebook page in the aftermath, “I am so proud of this town and how everybody pulled together to help these three families. Thousands of dollars of gift cards were collected today and will be distributed to the families. Hundreds of articles of clothing, shoes, coats, games, toys, food and other items were collected. All families are safe for the evening and tomorrow we will send out a message as to the times the gift cards can be dropped off again.”
She said, “I don’t believe any further clothing is needed so please hang on to your bags of clothing and items that you wish to donate until we get through the mounds of donations that we have so far.”
DiPaola wrote, “God bless every single one of you that I saw today down at the senior center and everybody who texted, phoned, or emailed to lend their help and support.”
She also lauded the volunteer fire department, the police department, the DPW, and borough staff.
Maria Pinguil is running a GoFundMe, Emerson NJ Devastating House Fire, to help the families. And gift cards can be dropped off at Borough Hall, 146 Linwood Ave., in an envelope marked “Clinton Street Family Assistance.”
Residents posted messages of love and encouragement.
Angela Squillante wrote, “So amazing! Thank God they are safe. We all love these families beyond words.”
Maggie Chicoine praised DiPaola, saying, “Your quick response to this terrible situation is definitely helping to ease the burden.”
She added, “I’m a close new neighbor and co-worker to two of the family members. This particular family that I’m close with is very special. The parents are extremely hard working and the kids are super respectful. They definitely have done a great job with their family. A true example of what an Emerson family should be like.”
Chicoine said, “Although many hearts are broken I have all of the confidence that they will come out of this sad ordeal stronger. I just hope now we can all pull together and help them find a permanent home in Emerson. They have three little kids in the Emerson school district and it would be devastating to see them have to relocate.”