Local News

As of Thursday, the fundraiser has raised more than $8,200.

A Millis family whose home was completely destroyed by a devastating three-alarm fire on Monday — the second time they’ve lost a home to fire — is now the focus of a community fundraising effort.  

The blaze began around 5:45 p.m. at 25 Birch St. and was exacerbated by high winds and propane tanks, the Millis Fire Department said in a Facebook post. 

The fire escalated to three alarms and spread to two smaller structures on the property, as well as an estimated three to four acres of wood, fire officials said. 

The resident inside the house at the time was able to escape safely, along with the family’s dog, Sadie, according to the fire department. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. 

Following the destruction, a friend of the family launched a GoFundMe campaign. As of Thursday, the fundraiser has raised more than $8,200 — approximately 83% of its goal. 

The campaign description identified the family as the “Dowds” and notes that this is the second devastating house fire the family has experienced in the past 20 years. 

The fundraiser organizer and family declined interviews at this time to protect the family’s privacy. 

A GoFundMe spokesperson said that contributions will be used for emergency housing, essential supplies, and helping the family start to rebuild. 

“While we can’t replace all that they lost, we would like to be able to support them as they process this tragedy and heal,” the organizer wrote in the campaign description. “Please consider making a donation to this family in need.”