GoFundMe established for Monongahela house fire victims
Mike Jones/Observer-Reporter
A GoFundMe page has been established for a mother and her six children whose home in Monongahela was destroyed by a fire Friday night.
The family was not at home when the fire occurred at about 7 p.m. at 419 Parkinson St.
“We put a pretty good stop on it, but there was significant damage,” said Aaron Leezer, Monongahela fire chief.
The GoFundMe page states it was set up on behalf of Kristy Johnson and her six children by her sister, Jessica Chester.
“They lost every single thing they own,” Chester wrote on the page. “We are extremely thankful they were away for the holiday. The house is a total loss. Funds will be spent to get her and the kids back into a home and refurnish it, replace clothing, etc.”
Chester continues that her sister and children have faced a number of struggles recently.
“They have been through the unimaginable this year, more than most go through in a lifetime,” she wrote. “I hope everyone rallies behind them, helps them build back what she had, and loves on them!”
According to information on the Bentleyville Fire-Rescue Facebook page, their members were on scene for about two hours. Bentleyville was summoned for its Rapid Intervention Team.
Leezer said the fire originated in the rear of the building. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the state police fire marshal.
As of Monday afternoon, $4,010 of a $10,000 goal was raised. To donate to the page, go to www.gofundme.com/f/help-kristy-and-her-children-rebuild-after-devastating-fire.
Along with firefighters from Monongahela and Bentleyville, fire personnel from Valley Inn, New Eagle, Carroll Township and Gallatin Sunnyside also responded. Monongahela police also were on scene. Tri-Community Ambulance Service also responded.