How to Help the New Lenox Family Whose House Burned Down

NEW LENOX, IL — A New Lenox family and their pets safely escaped a house fire that nearly completely destroyed their home Sunday, Aug. 28.

Crews were called around 11:15 a.m. to the 600 block of Turtle Dove Lane for a structure fire. Flames were showing when first responders arrived at the two-story house owned by Paul and Joy Reno. The call was upgraded to a full still structure fire.

All residents and animals made it out safely.

"...the amount of support our firefighters received from the community was touching and did not go unnoticed," the fire district wrote on its Facebook page. "Your kindness will not be forgotten."

The NLFPD received assistance during the structure fire from several other area fire districts, including: Manhattan, East Joliet, Frankfort, Mokena, Palos Heights, Homer, Orland and Elwood. Other area fire departments also covered New Lenox during this time for any additional emergency calls.

“We want to thank all of the area fire departments that helped us during yesterday’s fire,” said NLFPD’s Deputy Chief Adam Riegel. “Whether it was at the scene of the structure fire or manning our stations for additional calls it is great to know we have a system in place to help us when needed. Also, the amount of support our firefighters received from the community was touching and did not go unnoticed. Your kindness will not be forgotten.”

There is significant damage to the home, with the total cost of damage not yet available. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Community members have started a GoFundMe campaign to assist the Reno family.

Photo Courtesy of Daniel Peterson via GoFundMe