Log In


Reset Password

Community supports Lehigh Township family in wake of fire

The community is helping a family of five left homeless by a fire Thursday in Lehigh Township.

A GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up for Morgan and Derek Frable, along with their three children, Alyiah, Cecelia and Mikey.

No one was injured after the home was decimated by a fire that broke out at the home at 1323 Deer Path Drive, Walnutport/Lehigh Township. Two dogs died in the fire.

Firefighters were dispatched at 1:01 p.m. to the home, said Lehigh Township Fire Commissioner Rick Hildebrand.

Hildebrand said that by the time the first apparatus arrived, there was fire through the roof.

He said no one was at home at the time of the incident, and there were no injuries.

Hildebrand said the fire was under control within about 20 minutes.

He said firefighters remained on scene for about 2½ hours.

Hildebrand said the cause of the fire is unknown, but the fire marshal’s office is investigating.

The family is being helped by the Red Cross, which provided a hotel for them to stay at.

Christine Coulson, of Lehighton, started the GoFundMe, which had raised $1,040 of the $10,000 goal as of early Tuesday morning.

“I’m 35, and I’ve been friends with Morgan since I was probably 13 or 14, and Derek (a long time as well),” Coulson said. “Any time I needed help, Morgan was always there to help me; it didn’t matter what time of the day it was, it could be the hottest day of summer, she was always there to help me move.

“She was really the only person that I could rely on. I figured I would give back the help and appreciation for all she’s done for me.”

Coulson said she and the family is extremely grateful for all the donations.

“I appreciate everyone that has contributed to donating money and clothes, and I know they really appreciate it,” she said.

Neighboring fire departments from several counties responded to the scene.

A GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up for a Lehigh Township family, including children Alyiah, Cecelia and Mikey, who lost their home and two dogs. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO