Community members are rallying around an East Haven family whose home was destroyed Friday morning by a fire and propane explosion that killed several cats and one dog.
Fire officials said a police officer noticed smoke coming from the home on Ola Avenue around 10 a.m. Friday. When firefighters arrived, the house was already engulfed in flames.
One of two propane tanks behind the home exploded in the fire, and the second 100-pound tank was vented to prevent a second explosion.
Homeowner Karen Clark also owns a local business called Paul and Sandy, which is known for its Pumpkintown USA Halloween display.
The Clark family lost a cat, a few kittens and a dog to the flames. Another dog made it out safe.
"Life can change in a matter of minutes," Clark said after the fire. "I knew that my animals were in there, but I reminded myself that my husband, myself and my two kids are safe and sound."
Fortunately, neither Clark nor her family was injured.
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Community members began collecting donations within hours of the fire. A GoFundMe page set up for the family's benefit has already collected almost $4,000.
"You help others because it's the right thing to do, and that's why I've done it," said Clark, who also raises money for breast cancer research. "You never thought you would have to be on the receiving end."
