UMATILLA, Fla. – The Umatilla community is coming together to help a woman whose home was recently destroyed in a fire.
Carrie Jarrett said lightning from a passing storm struck her home on Monday and sparked a fire that quickly spread to the attic.
Firefighters had difficulty reaching the property — which is in a rural area — and were unable to extinguish the flames before there was extensive damage throughout the house.
Jarrett is the assistant general manager at The Mason Jar Restaurant. After learning about the fire, the owner started a GoFundMe page to raise money for Jarrett’s recovery.
“Carrie isn’t just a manager, she’s a friend to all our guests and our team,” Justin Scamardo said in the post. “We’re raising funds to help cover her essential needs as she works to rebuild: temporary housing, basic necessities, and the simple peace of mind that she’s not alone in this.”
As of Friday afternoon, the page had brought in $16,505, which was 92% of the fundraiser’s $18,000 goal.
Jarrett said she’s overwhelmed by the generosity and is hopeful she’ll be able to rebuild with the community’s support.
To donate to Jarrett’s recovery effort, visit the fundraiser by clicking here.