A West Palm Beach family was displaced and a townhouse suffered extensive smoke damage after an early-morning fire.
Battalion Fire Chief Brian Peek said the fire occurred around 4:30 a.m. Tuesday in the Sandalwood Lakes North community on Heritage Way.
When crews arrived, Peek said they found dark smoke coming from the doorway of an electrical room under a stairway.
Everyone in the building was evacuated as a precaution.
The family's service dog died in the fire despite efforts by crews to resuscitate the pet. "Jersey" had been with the family for about a decade, Jennifer Oquendo said.
“She was a service to my husband," Oquendo said. "You know I thank god that we got out and we’re here, but it’s still a part of our family.”
Oquendo's husband is disabled. The two have two daughters, a 10-month and 18-month-old.
“All that I have is my daughter’s pajamas and that’s it,” Oquendo said.
The Red Cross is assisting the family, but they are still need of items such as baby food and pampers.
The family of the victims set up a gofundme account to help with expenses.
If you wish to donate any items, they can be dropped off at Greek Moving and Storage
1333 North Jog Rd. Suite 103
West Palm Beach, FL 33413
12 month old baby clothes
2T- 3T
size 7 kid shoes
Size medium women's clothes
7.5 - 8 shoes
32x32 men's pants
size medium shirts
9.5 shoes
10 month and 1.5 yr old among those displaced, mom needs your help, says they lost everything. Townhouse was in Sandalwood Lakes N @WPTVpic.twitter.com/OajO4DP4AR
— Andrew Ruiz (@AndrewRuizWPTV) August 22, 2017
