After a fatal fire at an Endwell motel killed several people and displaced dozens early on June 22, local residents met the need for donations in a matter of hours.
Red Cross volunteers and Broome County residents continue to help families impacted by the blaze.
As of 3:30 p.m., New York State Police had confirmed six fatalities as a result of the blaze at the Knights Inn in Endwell on E Main Street. The fire was first reported at 6 a.m. and continued to burn throughout the morning.
Troopers said the identities of the victims will be released at a later time.
A Red Cross volunteer at the scene at about 10 a.m. estimated there were approximately 37 households displaced, including 73 people. The motel has been used as emergency housing by the Broome County Department of Social Services to shelter unhoused people.
People who were displaced by the fire are taking shelter at the Vestal United Methodist Church at 328 Main St. There, Red Cross volunteers have accepted so many donations that by 4 p.m., they were turning people away as there was no room to put clothing, food or hygiene products in the church.
Red Cross works to reunite families
In a statement, the Red Cross said volunteers are “truly thankful for offers to help,” but they currently have what they need to respond to the crisis, and they are “working closely with local community groups and organizations to provide for any additional needs of impacted families.”
Red Cross volunteers will continue supporting those who were displaced by providing “shelter, emotional support, spiritual care, meals and working with partners to connect individuals with resources in their long-term recovery needs.”
If you lost someone during the fire, the Red Cross is helping with reunification efforts and urges anyone who needs help locating their loved ones to call 1-800-733-2767.
Local officials respond
Broome County Executive Jason Garnar posted a statement on Facebook saying the investigation into the fire is ongoing and additional information will be released as it becomes available.
“Our first priority is the safety and well-being of everyone affected, while ensuring emergency responders have the resources they need as this situation continues to unfold,” he said. “I want to thank the firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMS personnel, and emergency management teams who responded quickly and professionally.”
In a Facebook post, City of Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham called the fatal fire “devastating” and linked to an emergency relief fund created by the United Way of Broome for those who were displaced by the fire and now need temporary housing, food, clothing, transportation, hygiene supplies and other “critical supports,” according to the campaign. Donations can be sent online by visiting the United Way of Broome County’s website.
As of 5:13 p.m. June 22, the emergency fund had raised $8,615.
Village of Endicott Mayor Nick Burlingame posted a statement on Facebook expressing gratitude for the first responders and “everyone who is assisting those impacted by this tragedy.”
“Words cannot express the sorrow we feel as we learn about the devastation from the tragic fire at the Knights Inn,” Burlingame said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with those who lost their lives, their families, and everyone who has been displaced.”
Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo and Senator Lea Webb also released a joint statement following the fire extending condolences to people who are “coping with the tragic loss of their loved ones and those continuing to struggle with housing access.”
“Each day in Broome County hundreds of people are being housed in hotels and motels waiting for a permanent place to call home,” the statement reads. “This is a horrible tragedy, and we are working with our state partners in trying to secure additional support for our community. We must work diligently to ensure more equitable resources on behalf of all our unhoused community members.”
How to help
Red Cross volunteers at the Vestal United Methodist Church are not currently accepting donations, but there are other ways to support the people who have been displaced by the fire.
The emergency relief fund is still accepting cash donations which can be made on the United Way of Broome County’s website.
Other local businesses are also looking to help. Grover’s Transport, a Binghamton-area transportation service, is offering free rides within Broome County to those impacted by the fire. Those interested can call 607-313-0295, according to a Facebook post.
Donations of new towels, bedding, clothes, blankets, diapers, toiletries and non-perishable food items are being accepted at St. Mary’s Orthodox Church at 1907 Jenkins St. in Endicott.
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Help pours in after fatal fire displaces dozens in Endwell
Reporting by Jillian McCarthy, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin / Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Jillian McCarthy, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin | USA TODAY Network
