c/o SlowBurn Personal Training Studios
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A fire that broke out late Sunday night not only caused damage to a beloved local business–it also left a longtime Upper West Side family without a home.
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The FDNY was called to the scene at 169 West 78th Street (between Columbus and Amsterdam avenues) at a bit past 11 p.m. and had it under control within 40 minutes. Two people sustained injuries: one was transported to a nearby hospital, while the other refused medical attention at the scene.
In addition to housing five apartments, the building is home to SlowBurn Personal Training Studios, which has operated in the space for almost three decades. Owner Fredrick Hahn told us that his studio experienced “massive water damage” and that he is currently in the process of cleaning up the space. He’s hoping to reopen soon.
The apartment on the building’s third floor has been “reduced to smoke and rubble,” Zoe Rennock tells us, adding that she’s lived in the apartment with her father and sister for more than 30 years.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, according to the FDNY. “They believe it was an electrical fire but we haven’t gotten any more information,” Zoe tells us. “As for injuries, only one person went to the hospital for smoke inhalation but was released later that same night.”
c/o Zoe Rennock / GoFundMe
c/o Zoe Rennock / GoFundMe
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Zoe has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for their recovery.
“We’ve lost clothes, furniture, personal belongings, and the simple sense of security that comes with having a stable roof over our heads,” the campaign page states. “We’ve been told it will be at least 4 to 6 months before we can return (if we can do so).”
c/o Zoe Rennock / GoFundMe
As of writing, the GoFundMe campaign has raised $8,375 of its $25,000 goal. The funds will help the family cover basic needs like food, clothing, toiletries, and temporary housing.
“Any support would mean the world to us as we try to rebuild from this tragedy,” the campaign states.
You can view and support the fundraiser here.
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