It's a sad and unfortunate story to read, but with the help of our community, and the employees at Berlin City Nissan in Portland ME, hopefully we can bring this family a happy ending.

STANDISH, Maine (NEWS CENTER) - Firefighters from South Portland are helping one of their own, a colleague whose house was destroyed by a fire Saturday in Standish.

Crews from 10 departments battled the flames, but they weren't able to save the home.

Sunday, several members of the South Portland fire department went to help clean up and support their fellow firefighter and his family.

"There's a few of us in the department that have lost property to fire and when it hits this close to home, it strikes the whole family," says firefighter Rob Simmons, "It brings home the lesson that this can happen to anyone, not just the general public. Firefighters are not exempt from having bad things happen to them."

Portland Maine Nissan Dealership Helps with Donations

The State Fire Marshal's Office is expected to investigate the cause of the fire.

Initial indications show it started on the back porch and was accidental.

Anyone interested in helping the victims can bring donations to the South Portland Fire Department's Western Avenue Station at 1 James Baka Drive, or mail donations to the South Portland Fire Dept. c/o Cherri Murray 684 Broadway, South Portland, ME 04106. You can also call the department at 799-3311, or visit their Facebook page for more information.

The employees of Berlin City Auto Group have come together to create our own way to show our support for the family. 

All of our dealerships, located in Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire have created a 'Jean's Day" event for this up coming Friday, March 2nd.  Employees have been given the option to donate $5.00, which will give them the chance to wear jeans to work on Friday.  All contributions made by employees will be matched by the company and donated to the fund established by the South Portland Fire Department.