SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — A fire in Scranton over the weekend displaced multiple people, forcing several families from their homes. Now, just days later, neighbors are stepping up, organizing donations and raising money to help those families get back on their feet.
Around 5 p.m. Saturday, crews were called to 609 Prospect Avenue in Scranton. Witnesses say the fire spread quickly.
Authorities say the fire started in a bedroom on the top floor. When firefighters arrived, heavy flames were already visible from outside. While no one was injured, 16 people were displaced.
For Daritza Zayas, the fire started inside her home.
“We heard a small pop. We weren’t sure what it was. When we checked and pushed the bathroom door open, a big cloud of black smoke came out and the fire was already in the left corner,” Zayas said.
She says her first instinct was to grab the fire extinguisher.
“The first thought was the fire extinguisher. I grabbed it and tried to use it. It wouldn’t work. I think it was a little too old. I never had an experience like that.”
Zayas, a grandmother who lives with her daughter and granddaughter, says everyone in the building made it out safely. But now, families are staying with relatives and trying to figure out what comes next.
Some are in need of footwear and warm clothing. Others are searching for long-term housing solutions.
Zayas is now urging both landlords and tenants to make sure smoke alarms and fire extinguishers are up to date.
Just next door, neighbor Jennifer Bruning is organizing donations and GoFundMe efforts to help.
“I’ve been in a fire in the past myself and I just remember the smell being on everything and you can’t get it off. So I kind of jumped into wanting to help with that kind of stuff,” Bruning said.
Bruning, who shares a backyard with the families, says they’re collecting donations on the back porches at 613 Prospect Avenue. She says while immediate needs include clothing and essentials, the long-term picture is just as important.
“I’m worried about them getting what they need, to get furniture, appliances and things like that. They’re in need of immediate stuff, but then as they are moving into homes, what are they going to do as far as a bed to sleep on,” she said. “So I’m hoping that this doesn’t just need to be a right now thing. I’m hoping to continue this until they’re all comfortably or somewhat stable in homes.”
Neighbors tell me they’re overwhelmed by the generosity they’ve seen in just a few days, but they say the need is ongoing.
Brayan and Salvador, both males one is an older teen boy. They lost all belongings and their home. Click here to donate.
This specific Go Fund Me is for Christina & Juan F. And their 3 elementary school aged children. Click here to donate.
This Go Fund Me is for the elderly couple that lived under where the fire started, Juan J. And Gladis L. Click here to donate.
This Go Fund Me is for Daritza Zayas, her husband Ramone, her daughter, and granddaughter. Click here to donate.