VASSALBORO — A family has been left homeless just before Christmas after an early morning fire Saturday at 90 Matthews Ave. ravaged their mobile home.
The fire was reported just after 2 a.m. and resulted in a total loss for the family, officials said on the town’s Facebook page. No injuries were reported.
Upon arriving at the scene, firefighters found the mobile home engulfed in flames and requested more aid, they said on social media. About 13 firefighters from the Vassalboro Fire Department responded, as did personnel from the Waterville, Winslow and China fire departments, Delta Ambulance and Central Maine Power.
“At this time, due to the extent of damage the cause of the fire is undetermined,” Vassalboro fire officials announced on the department’s Facebook page.
Robbie Derosby and his youngest son, Ashton, are currently being assisted by the American Red Cross.
The fire, just days before Christmas, destroyed much of their belongings, officials said.
Vassalboro residents organized a donation drive to help Derosby and his son meet their basic needs before the holidays. The drive will be held at The Mill located on 934 Maine Street through Christmas Day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“Around 20 people have donated stuff already,” said Samantha Lessard, the point of contact for the donations. Residents so far, Lessard said, have donated clothes and furniture, and she expected more donations to come in over the next several days.
A Gofundme page has also been set up by Derosby’s niece, Tamerlaine Harris, for those who wish to assist the family monetarily. The online fundraiser is here: gofundme.com/f/help-robbie-and-kids-get-back-on-their-feet.
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