At least two fundraising campaigns have been launched on behalf of families who lost their homes as a result of last week’s Metropole Avenue fire.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
A GoFundMe campaign for an Avalon firefighter identified as Marcus Watts has raised $10,380 as of 11:20 a.m., Thursday, April 30. Watts’ apartment was destroyed during the April 21 structure fire. The fundraising goal was $13,000. Seventy individuals donated.
Gracie Rose launched another fundraiser for Edward Hernandez, whose home was destroyed in the fire. That GoFundMe campaign had raised $19,318 as of 11:14 a.m., Thursday, April 30. The goal of the campaign drive was to raise $25,000. One hundred-seventy individuals donated.
House fire stats
The total square footage of the house was 1,392, according to Avalon Fire Chief Michael Alegria. There were three bedrooms, two bathrooms. The lot size was 40 X 112. “Total usable square footage 4,480,” Alegria wrote.
“The house had two units total. It was built in 1916,” Alegria wrote.
“We put the loss value at $1.5-$1.8 Million,” Alegria wrote.
Watts fundraiser
“On April 21, 2026, our friend Marcus and his fiancé were celebrating a new chapter. Moving into their apartment, building a future together, and creating a space filled with hope and plans. In an instant, everything changed,” according to GoFundMe drive created by Casey Bragg and Reed Woodyard.
“What makes this even harder to grasp is that he has dedicated his life to protecting others. As an Avalon Firefighter and Conservancy Ranger, he’s spent countless hours putting himself on the line to keep people, homes, and communities safe. Now, he’s facing a loss of his own,” according to the post.
“They are safe, and for that we are incredibly grateful, but they’ve lost their belongings, their sense of stability, and the place they had just started to call home,” according to the post.
“We’re coming together to support them as they begin the long process of rebuilding. Any contribution, no matter the size, will help them cover immediate needs, find temporary housing, and start putting the pieces back together,” according to the post.
Hernandez fundraiser
“The Hernandez family home wasn’t just a house—it was a place filled with generations of memories, deep roots, and love. It held a special connection to Eddie Sr. and stood as a powerful symbol of their family’s legacy. Over 100 years old, the home had been in the family for generations, and recently Eddie Sr. worked tirelessly to purchase it, ensuring it would remain in the family for years to come,” according to the Rose post.
Then the April 21 fire occurred.
“In an instant, they lost not only their house, but irreplaceable pieces of family history and memories,” according to the Rose post.
“Eddie Sr.’s son, Eddie James and his fiancée Claire, recently engaged, were just beginning to plan their wedding and build their future together in a place that meant everything to them,” according to the Rose post.
“Their family is now facing the overwhelming task of rebuilding from the ground up. As they navigate this unimaginable loss, we are coming together to support their family in any way we can,” according to the Rose post.
“This fundraiser will help them with immediate needs, recovery efforts, and the long journey of rebuilding what was lost. Any contribution, big or small, will make a meaningful difference during this incredibly difficult time,” according to the Rose post.