Family affected by County Line Nursery barn fire launches GoFundMe as recovery begins – North Penn Now

Fundraiser details losses after blaze that destroyed barn, vehicles and personal belongings at Franconia property

As the criminal case against a Souderton volunteer firefighter accused of setting the County Line Nursery barn fire moves forward, a family impacted by the blaze is asking for help rebuilding after losing equipment and treasured belongings.

Kimberly Cruz launched a GoFundMe campaign in the days following the May 30 fire at the former County Line Nursery property along Harleysville Pike and Schoolhouse Road in Franconia Township. As of Tuesday morning, the fundraiser had raised $1,925 from 25 donations toward a $10,000 goal.

According to the fundraiser, the fire destroyed a barn used by the family and consumed numerous personal belongings, including bicycles, tools, toolboxes, a zero-turn lawn mower, a weed whacker, a children’s pool and inflatable toys. Cruz said the fire also destroyed sentimental items that cannot be replaced.

“My family has recently faced a devastating setback,” Cruz wrote in the fundraiser. “Our barn caught on fire, destroying not only valuable items but also irreplaceable sentimental belongings.”

The family said it does not have renters insurance to help offset the losses. In addition to recovering from the fire, Cruz said the family is also dealing with the impending sale of the property they rent and the challenge of finding a new place to live while pursuing homeownership.

The fundraiser was launched days before Pennsylvania State Police charged Justin Tyler Sholly, 29, of Souderton, with multiple felony arson-related offenses in connection with three fires in Souderton Borough and Franconia Township. According to court documents, investigators allege Sholly admitted setting the May 30 barn fire, along with two other fires reported within a 30-hour period. Sholly remains jailed in Montgomery County on $500,000 bail pending a June 10 preliminary hearing.

The County Line Nursery fire drew a large multi-company response during the early morning hours of May 30. Firefighters from numerous Montgomery County agencies battled flames that engulfed the barn and damaged multiple structures and at least three vehicles on the property.

The property is part of a proposed redevelopment project announced earlier this year by the Alderfer family, owners of Old Dutch Cupboard, who have discussed plans to transform the longtime nursery site into a market and retail destination while preserving portions of the historic property.

Anyone interested in supporting the Cruz family can find the fundraiser through GoFundMe.