GoFundMe page set up to help family displaced in NJ fire

BARRINGTON, N.J. -- A New Jersey family was able to escape their burning home Thursday morning in Camden County.

The fire started after a storm passed over Bell Avenue in Barrington. Everyone got out safely, but there's severe damage to the home.

Firefighters were called to the home on the unit block of Bell Avenue twice after a falling tree took down power lines, and when they arrived the second time, the house was completely energized.

Bob Vanseiver, manager of Timeout Sports Bar next door to the home, started recording on his cellphone.

He says, "That's aluminum siding, and it arced the whole side of the house. It was like an electrical shield was on the side of the whole house."

Firefighters were initially called around 3:30 a.m. after the passing storm snapped the tree, pulling down power lines.

When they arrived, they say there was no activity or fire. So firefighters notified the power company and were then called to a different fire.

While they were gone, the wire started to arc again.

Neighbor Doug Benson says, "We heard a loud explosion, and it seemed like a ball of fire."

Bellmawr Fire Chief Jim Burleigh explains, "It appears that the wire had dropped on the ground, and may have energized the house through either a water pipe or gas pipe at that point. So the entire house became energized with electric, caught on fire at that point. We couldn't do anything until the power was secured."

A natural gas fire then ignited. So firefighters had to wait until that too was secure.

Police helped six family members get out of the house before firefighters got there.

By the time firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze, the home was seriously damaged.

Local and county fire marshals were called to investigate. The Red Cross was also called to assist the family.

Family friend Zabrielle Holloway has set up a GoFundMe page to help the family.

"This family has always been so kind and supportive in the time that I have known them, the least they deserve is some support in return," she wrote on the page.

To contribute, visit Gofundme.com/Cruzfamilysupport