Yorktown community rallies behind DiNoia family after fire

A Sunday fire destroyed the DiNoia family’s Moseman Road home, and the community quickly moved to help them as they begin to rebuild.

John DiNoia, a former member of the Yorktown Heights Volunteer Fire Department, alerted responding personnel that his house was on fire, the department said. The family made it out safely.

“In a matter of minutes, everything he owned—his clothes, furniture, memories, and sense of security—was gone," said Amy Biancardi, a family member who created a GoFundMe.

Biancardi wrote that the family now faces “the overwhelming reality of starting over. Insurance will only cover part of the loss, and it won’t help with immediate needs like clothing, temporary housing, food, and basic household items.”

Firefighters from Yorktown Heights and neighboring communities battled the flames for more than four hours before bringing the fire under control. Yorktown police and highway departments also assisted at the scene. As firefighters arrived, the department said it encountered challenges with the water supply, as multiple hydrants in the area were frozen. Tanker trucks were called in to maintain fire suppression efforts.

The fire destroyed clothing, furniture, and other personal belongings. Insurance will cover only part of the loss.

The funds collected by the GoFundMe are intended to help the family cover living expenses while they secure housing and begin the long process of rebuilding. Those looking to contribute can click here.

Other residents are collecting gift cards to grocery and retail stores to help the family as they move forward.

As of Monday, the GoFundMe had raised more than $75,000 of its $120,000 goal.