“Now It’s Our Turn”: GoFundMe Grows for Green Island Family After Devastating Fire

Lightning Fire in Green Island

When lightning struck a Green Island home Saturday evening, it took just minutes for a family's life to change.

According to the Green Island Fire Department, crews responded just before 8 PM to a structure fire on the 100 block of Hudson Avenue. Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke and flames on the second floor.

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Thanks to the quick response from Green Island firefighters, along with crews from Watervliet, the Watervliet Arsenal, and Cohoes, the fire was brought under control within about 30 minutes.

Photo: Ryan Bidwell Facebook

6 People Displaced After Fire

Thankfully, no injuries were reported, but six people have been displaced.

A GoFundMe created by family friend Caitlin Childrose says engaged homeowners Riannon Simpson and Ryan Bidwell, who are expecting their third child in just a few months, lost their home in the fire. The couple has two young children, Parker and Luna, and Riannon's parents were also inside the home along with the family's dogs when the fire broke out.

Photo: Ryan Bidwell Facebook

The fundraiser describes the Simpson family as the kind of people who are always the first to help others in times of need. Now, friends say it's their turn to be surrounded by that same generosity.

Family Was Coming Back from Vacation

Ryan also shared an emotional message on Facebook, revealing the family was actually driving home from vacation when they received the devastating phone call.

"About 45 minutes into our 12-hour drive home from our family vacation, we got a call that our home was on fire," Bidwell wrote. "We lost pretty much everything. If you know me, you know I'm not one to ask for help ever, but right now every little bit counts—even if it's just a share."

He went on to thank the countless friends, family members, and strangers who have donated, reached out with words of encouragement, and offered the family places to stay during this incredibly difficult time.

Capital Region Doing What it Does Best

At last check, close to $16,000 had already been raised toward the family's $18,000 goal, a testament to how quickly the Green Island and Capital Region communities have rallied around one of their own.

Our thoughts remain with the Simpson and Bidwell families as they begin the long process of rebuilding after such a heartbreaking loss. If you'd like to make a contribution to the family's GoFundMe, you may do so here.