Lansford firefighters helping family displaced by Feb. 2 blaze

A fire department’s response doesn’t always end after the flames are put out.

After a blaze that displaced an extended family from Lansford last week, American Fire Co. No. 1 decided to go the extra mile, hosting a fundraiser.

“I am still in utter awe of what these guys have done. It’s flooring to us,” Roseann Zona said.

Roseann and her husband, Paul, as well as their daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Robert Ault, were the victims of a fast-moving fire on Feb 2.

The fire destroyed much of the inside of the Aults’ home, and left the Zonas with heavy smoke and water damage.

Borough officials have credited the fire company for their quick response to the fire. As Paul recalled, firefighters had to overcome the extremes of the scorching flames and freezing temperatures outside.

“The water was freezing as it went through the air. There was metal in the house that was bent from the heat,” he said.

They have been picking up the pieces since the fire took place. Thanks to the generosity of friends, they have a roof over their heads. But they are actively looking for a new place.

“We’re trying to keep things together. Thank goodness for friends and family,” Roseann said.

After the fire, the firefighters decided they wanted to do something more for the Zona family. They saw that the fire affected not only the victims, but their chief, Joe Greco. Greco and Paul Zona have worked together at the Carbon County Juvenile Probation Office for more than 20 years.

“The fire had a bit of a personal affect to me as well,” Greco said. “The guys approached me, saying, hey, how about we do a spaghetti dinner to help them recover from this loss.”

The Zonas said they can’t believe what the fire company has done, not only during the response, but in the weeks since. Immediately following the fire, three firefighters escorted Roseann through the home to see what could be salvaged.

Every time people see a firefighter in town, they ask how the family is doing.

Paul Zona said the benefit is a testament to the department, starting with Greco.

“Because I’ve known him so long, I know what to expect. He is that kind of person,” Zona said. “That he instilled the same mindset in his firefighters, that was a surprise, and it was really good to see.”

Greco said the idea for the benefit came straight from the firefighters. Their idea grew to include the juvenile probation office — now the event will include a basket raffle and bake sale.

“They have definitely the best interests of the community in mind, but also, they look at taking care of each other and I couldn’t be more proud,” Greco said of his firefighters.

Going on three weeks after the fire, the Zonas are looking for a new home so they can rebuild their lives. They lost years of family photos, personal items and two cats. Another is still on the loose.

They’re currently navigating the bureaucracy of insurance companies. They want to secure their home so that it’s safe.

They’re thankful for the fire company, as well as the friends and strangers who have donated to them. An online fundraiser has generated more than $5,000 in donations.

Not only did the fire company plan the benefit, they also wanted to raise money to replace Paul’s home dialysis equipment. Luckily that is an expense they don’t have to worry about right now.

With all the generosity from the fire company and the community, Roseann Zona isn’t sure how she’ll react on Sunday.

“People are genuinely good. There are a lot of people with a good heart out there,” Roseann said.

The event will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the firehouse on Patterson Street.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children, and are available by calling the station at 570-645-7171, emailing lansfordfire@gmail.com, or contacting the department on Facebook.

If you’re interested in supporting the online fundraiser for the family, check out https://www.gofundme.com/gmtd6-family-displaced-in-house-fire.