After a fire destroyed part of the Newporter apartment complex and left six families displaced last month, the community immediately rallied to support those affected. A fundraiser at Newport Hills Community Church on Dec. 8 raised an estimated $6,000.

Pastor Paul Burnham said he was overwhelmed by the outpouring of sympathy. Volunteers donated both their time and supplies to the pancake breakfast, hosted from 9 a.m. to noon last weekend. Approximately 300 people attended.

“These are the people across the street from us,” said Burnham. “They’re our neighbors, our community. We care for their spiritual needs, and we care for their physical needs.”

The Newporter apartment complex, at 5900 119th Ave S.E., broke into flames on the night of Nov. 27, causing $300,000 in damages. Nobody was injured in the flames, but 10 units received water or fire damage and the remaining six were expected to require greater repairs.

The fire was deemed accidental. An investigation revealed a utility chase had been covered over by roofers.

Burnham said money was still coming in, and he hoped to present victims of the fire with the total amount by the end of the week. Each family will be awarded about $1,000. Burnham will ask about additional needs — furniture, clothes and household items — when he presents them with the amount.

“It was very, very healthy for the community,” said Burnham of the event. “We all came together and gave generously.”