The community is rallying behind a Crystal Lake family after they were left homeless following a fire that killed five of their pets and happened while they were at Six Flags.
The Crystal Lake Fire Rescue Department responded around 12:50 p.m. on May 25 to the 1300 block of North Avenue in Crystal Lake for a report of a structure fire.
Crystal Lake Fire Rescue Department Battalion Chief Jim Sustek said a 911 caller reported smoke coming from a single-family residence.
Fire crews arrived and found smoke coming from the chimney of the residence.
Firefighters entered and encountered heat and smoky conditions, prompting an upgrade to a working structure fire response for additional resources, Sustek said.
Fire crews were able to quickly locate and extinguish the fire. It was deemed under control at 1:14 p.m.
The McHenry, Huntley, Algonquin-Lake in the Hills and Woodstock fire districts responded to the scene to assist.
The Velmont family was enjoying a day out at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee when they learned of the fire.
Chris Wrublewski said that Jeremy, Krista and their two daughters are safe but the family’s cat, two dogs and two birds died in the fire.
The family is staying at a hotel ahead of searching for a temporary home to rent. A GoFundMe account has raised almost $5,000 with a $20,000 goal.
The family had insurance but the donations will be “instrumental” in allowing them to furnish their rental property and purchase necessities as they wait for their home to be rebuilt, Wrublewski said.
“This was a very special house as Krista grew up in it with her mom and grandparents, and eventually bought it with Jeremy after getting married,” Wrublewski said.
A MealTrain fundraiser was also created for the family as they are in a hotel without a kitchen. The account has raised $600, with several meals also delivered or scheduled.
Sustek said the cause of the fire is under investigation.