Wednesday night fire displaced 19 homes Koester Court Apartments affecting 22 individuals. “This is the largest single displacement of people in Northfield due to fire,” reported owner representative Connie Posch, “but the Red Cross, the Police, Fire and Rescue Department and the G & H Management Company all performed their roles with dedication and care to start to get victims back on their feet.”

Fire investigators are still assessing the property. Salvage efforts may be possible to recover furniture in many of the units, but much property is damaged or destroyed. Service Master and DuFour’s Cleaners are helping residents to recover clothing and belongings by specialized cleaning methods, but some items will be lost.

Most occupants residing there pay subsidized rent and most had no insurance.

The Community Action Center has established a fund to dispense financial assistance for resident recovery. Donations for this purpose may be made to the Community Action Center either directly, by mail to 1651 Jefferson Parkway or online at www.northfieldcac.org. Indicate “Fire Fund” on the contribution.

Food and clothing will be available to the residents, but a wish-list of needs will be drawn in the next few days to identify specific items necessary for recovery. The list will also be posted on the CAC website.