Wilmington Fire Department firefighter loses home and dog to house fire

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Wilmington Professional Firefighters Association is aiding one of its own who lost his home in a fire. 

According to the Association, John Collins and his family were on vacation when their home on Okeechobee Rd. near Veteran’s Park caught fire early Friday morning. In addition to losing their home, the family of four also lost their dog in the fire. 

Collins has been a member of the Wilmington Fire Department for nearly 25 years. Friends of the firefighter are rallying together and looking to the community for help. 

Alex Fantauzzi is the President of the Wilmington Professional Firefighters Association. He says the organization put together a fundraiser to help the family during this difficult time. 

“It’s called the Yard Foundation and it’s specifically designed for firefighters in need. You can go online and go to our page, which we have a link for it, and you can make a donation there. Anything is appreciated,” Alex Fantauzzi said.  

If you’d like to help, visit this link to donate.