An online fundraiser has been launched to help aid a family of five that became homeless last week when a swift-moving blaze tore through their Hanover Township, Northampton County home.
A GoFundMe campaign seeks to raise $70,000 to help the members of the Rieger family get back on their feet. As of Monday afternoon, the campaign had raised $64,690 from 596 donors.
The fundraiser was launched by Lori Boyle of Bethlehem, Tara’s cousin. Donations will go toward temporary housing, clothing and food for Ryan and Tara Rieger and the couple’s children, 15-year-old Jillian; 13-year-old Chase and 11-year-old Ashlyn.
Donations of goods are also being accepted at 2120 13th St. in Bethlehem. For those who can’t donate, the Riegers ask to spread awareness about their fundraiser.
“In a matter of minutes, they lost everything,” Boyle said in the post. “They are incredibly grateful that everyone made it out safely, but the loss is so overwhelming! As they begin the long process of recovery, any support will help to take the next steps forward.”
Boyle told lehighvalleylive.com the family’s dog, Daisy, died in the fire.
The fire started around 9:15 p.m. Feb. 8 at the residence in the 400 block of Sugar Maple Court. Hanover Township Volunteer Fire Co. Chief Scott VanWhy previously told lehighvalleylive.com the blaze was well involved when crews arrived at the scene.
All occupants escaped safely. One firefighter was injured after slipping on the ice, VanWhy said.
Two civilians also were injured and taken by ambulance to area hospitals for treatment. They were released by Feb. 10, VanWhy said.
It took a while to get flames under control, VanWhy said. Crews stayed at the scene until 1:30 a.m. Feb. 9 in bitter cold temperatures checking for hot spots, he said.
The cause of the fire continues to be investigated by township fire officials.
One firefighter slipped on ice while battling a three-alarm blaze Sunday evening, Feb. 8, 2026 in Northampton County. The home on Sugar Maple Court is now uninhabitable.Dan Clerico | For lehighvalleylive.com