On Monday, October 14, a tragic house fire occurred at 28 Taylor Terrace, Colonia, NJ. The fire splurged at around 12:30 p.m. News reporters declared this fire spread to their neighbors’ house.
The afternoon in which the fire occurred, there was strong winds which resulted in a wind-driven fire that impacted two families’ lives and their houses. As time grew faster, both houses attracted wind and heat, one being charred significantly. Investigators are still trying to figure out how the fire occurred in the first place and it will be under investigation until they find a final result. Researchers claim it took place in front of 28 Taylor Terrace, but they are still trying to figure that out as well.
Who lived inside these homes?
In the location in which the fire took place, four residents of Colonia and three cats lived at home. One out of three cats passed away in the fire they say. Husband Anthony Puglisi, wife Donna, and two daughters Amanda and Marrisa Quinn, lost all of their belongings and their memories. The only thing they remained with was their outfits that remained close to their bodies.
As firefighters searched the house and set out the fire, no one was found to be missing or hurt. They all walked out safe and remained alive. Later that night, at midnight, the fire reignited and caused more damage to both homes.
In the house next door, 32 Taylor Terrace, the firefighters escorted Andrew Piga, owner of the home, inside. In the winter of 2021, Piga experienced a horrible house fire at his residential home. Piga is a man who has experienced heartbreak and is grieving over his mother, father, and sister. In effect to this fire, the damaged home left Piga and his dog left alone has made things even more challenging for the resident.
What is being done to help raise money?
Colonia High School’s Interact Club, which is run by special education teacher Linda Brennan, is setting up a fundraiser. Brennan provided more information about this fundraiser. “At first, our Interact Club received 25 percent off shopping passes at Boscov’s store. Students collect information for the Interact Club and support the community, the neighborhood and the students in school.” This club is helping raise money for this community.“So far Colonia raised over $600 in 2 weeks.” The fundraiser is valid on October 22, 2024.
Regarding both homes, Noelle Bost is trying to raise $50,000 for Andrew Piga. As of Wednesday, October 16, people helped raise around $3,500 to help support the damages. To donate money to help support, Bost set up a gofundme and it is labeled, “Help Out a Colonia Family After a Devastating House Fire” and they are looking for more donations.
In addition to helping fundraise for these two Colonia fires, on Friday, October 18, Ciro’s Pizza on Lake Avenue in Colonia, NJ, is fundraising for these homes. Ciro’s is donating 20 percent of their purchases to the victims of the fire. This fundraiser will occur from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Firefighters who responded to the incident
According to My Central Jersey, many different firefighters and their locations were involved. For instance, The Iselin 11, Avenel, Woodbridge, Iselin 9, Colonia, Hopelawn, and Fords responded. South Plainfield Volunteer Firefighter remained steady in the headquarters.
Both houses remain uninhabitable and people are trying to do as much as they can to help give back money to the two residents that resonate with the homes on Taylor Terrace, Colonia. If you want to learn more about dangerous house occurrences, read more here.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) 6.6 percent of incidents reported in New Jersey in 2022 were fires. The national percentage of reported fires that year was 4 percent.
