The community has come together to support a family of five after a fire destroyed their house early Christmas morning.
Chief Tim Merrick of the Northwestern Joint Fire District said the department, located in Raymond, received a call at 12:15 a.m. Dec. 25 about a house fire at 21763 Raymond Road.
“No one was at home,” Merrick said. “They were all at family for Christmas.”
Northwestern Joint Fire District was assisted by the Allen Township, Bokes Creek and Marysville fire departments. Merrick added that fire crews remained at the scene for about three hours.
The family’s dog and a goat were taken to the Ohio State University Large Animal Services, 16410 County Home Road. The goat suffered severe burns. Community members are asked to make donations to the veterinary center in the name of the Johnson family. The dog has been treated and is currently staying with a family friend, according to Calista McDonald, a close friend.
Some of the family’s cats did not make it out of the fire, Merrick said.
Merrick said the cause of the fire was accidental. It appears the fire began in the out building, where the goat and dog were located.
He added that the heaviest damage is in the rear of the home.
He also said the home “cannot be occupied at this time.”
“I’m thankful they weren’t home,” McDonald said.
The local Red Cross is caring for the family, which includes a husband, wife and three children.
Merrick said those who want to help the family can contact the local Red Cross at (937) 642-6651 or the Northwestern Joint Fire District at (937) 246-2156.
Additionally, local residents are encouraged to donate gas cards, gift cards for restaurants and gift cards for Walmart or Meijer. McDonald said donations can be sent to her at 5512 Hughes Road Prospect, Ohio, 43342. She will deliver them to the family. She added that community members can contact her through Facebook. Monetary donations can also be made to the family via Venmo @Nate-Johnson-144 or via PayPal @nj319x.
In addition, the public can help the family rebuild their house by making a contribution on GoFundMe https://gofund.me/159a462f.
“Any and all donations are so greatly appreciated,” McDonald said.
She added that she has met up with a lot of community members from Prospect, Richwood and Marysville in Union County as well as residents of Delaware County to collect donations for the family. She also said the Waldo Fire District provided supplies for the family.
“The community has been great,” she said.
Clothes are not needed at this time.