Long Island Family Loses Home in Late-Night Fire

Community rallies to support family displaced by devastating blaze

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A late-night house fire in East Meadow, New York has destroyed the home of the Maresco family, leaving them with little more than the clothes on their backs. The North Bellmore Fire Department responded quickly, allowing the family to escape safely, but the home sustained extensive damage and most of their personal belongings were lost.

Why it matters

House fires can be devastating events that leave families displaced and in need of significant support to rebuild their lives. This story highlights the resilience of the local community, which has rallied around the Maresco family to provide financial assistance and other aid during this difficult time.

The details

The fire broke out late on Saturday, February 7th at the East Meadow home of Kim and Ralph Maresco and their two sons. While the family escaped without injury, the home was left in ruins, with clothing, furniture, toys, keepsakes, and other everyday essentials destroyed in the blaze.

  • The fire occurred late on Saturday, February 7th.
  • A GoFundMe campaign was organized on February 9th to support the family.

The players

Kim and Ralph Maresco

Residents of East Meadow, New York whose home was destroyed in a late-night fire.

North Bellmore Fire Department

The fire department that responded quickly to the fire, allowing the Maresco family to escape safely.

Darlene Paskiewicz

Organized a GoFundMe campaign to support the Maresco family in the aftermath of the fire.

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What they’re saying

“'[They] experienced every family's worst nightmare, their home was affected by a fire, leaving them with hardly anything but the clothes on their backs.'”

— Darlene Paskiewicz, GoFundMe Campaign Organizer (GoFundMe)

“'No family should have to start over this way as the cost of living is already almost impossible to sustain here in New York.'”

— Darlene Paskiewicz, GoFundMe Campaign Organizer (GoFundMe)

What’s next

The GoFundMe campaign organized by Darlene Paskiewicz aims to raise funds to support the Maresco family with temporary accommodations, clothing, food, household essentials, and costs associated with repairing their damaged home.

The takeaway

This tragic event highlights the importance of community support and resilience in the face of unexpected disasters. The outpouring of aid for the Maresco family demonstrates the power of neighbors coming together to help those in need during difficult times.