Fire In South Orange

Published: Thursday, May 14, 2026

by Michela DiLorenzo

SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. – A South Orange family who lost their home in a fire this Wednesday has raised thousands in relief funding, with help from a GoFundMe started by South Orange Mayor Sheena Collum. 

The blaze began around 3:30 a.m. Wednesday in the Crawley-Landhardt family’s home on Prospect Street. There were no reported injuries to the family. This fire is still under investigation.

The Crawley-Landhardts are searching for temporary housing as they work to rebuild their lives, with their necessities and personal belongings destroyed in the blaze. After Collum began a GoFundMe following the fire, the community raised $19,000 to support the family’s recovery. 

While the fundraiser began at $10,000, residents in South Orange rallied together to surpass that goal and ensure their recovery was cared for. The support for the GoFundMe after this tragic event is an example of how strong the South Orange community is, Collum said. 

“South Orange is a community that comes together in times of hardship,” she said, “and today we have an opportunity to support neighbors who are facing an unimaginable moment.”

For more information reach out to Michela at michela.dilorenzo@student.shu.edu

Posted in: news,