LYNN — In the wake of a two-alarm fire on Tuesday morning that killed a three-year-old girl and left more than a dozen people homeless, the Ford Elementary School Parent-Teacher Organization is teaming up with school counselors to seek clothing donations for affected students and their families.
Two young students at the school lived at the 7 Circuit Ave. home, and donations can be dropped off during school hours to the school at 49 Hollingsworth St. The clothing donations needed are: women’s size small top; medium/size six-seven pants; size seven shoes; men’s size 34 pants; size large shirt; size nine/nine-and-a-half shoes; boy’s size six clothes; 12 child shoes; boy’s size eight clothes; and boy’s size four clothes for two children.
The fire, which broke out at 4:05 a.m. Tuesday morning, killed three-year-old Andrea Diaz and displaced more than a dozen residents of the home. Officials said Wednesday that they were unable to determine an exact cause of the fire, but its origins were not suspicious.
Fire Chief Stephen Archer said the department’s thoughts remained with Diaz’s family.
“I know the community shares their grief for this terrible loss,” Archer said in a statement.
Mayor Jared Nicholson called the fire a “tragic situation.”
“This is a heartbreaking tragedy for the family affected and for our community,” Nicholson said. “We extend our deepest condolences to the family as they deal with this unthinkable loss, and we wish all those affected a speedy and full recovery.”
“While we know there will be a full investigation into the circumstances of this tragic event, at this point we are focused on the victims and are incredibly grateful for all those rallying to help them and provide support for our community at this most difficult time,” Nicholson added.
District Chief Joseph Zukas said that seven residents, three adults in their 30s, and four boys, ages three, five, six, and 12, were transported to Salem Hospital for injuries believed to be non-life threatening.
The Red Cross was providing assistance to the affected families, and Diaz’s family launched a GoFundMe, which has raised more than $15,000 dollars in four days.
“Thank you everybody that has donated, this greatly impacts us and our family,” the GoFundMe reads.
Charlie McKenna can be reached at [email protected].
