Fund-Raiser Planned for Springs Fire Victims

Rob Bistrian is thankful his wife, Judi Bistrian, was able to get their daughter, Violet, 11, and their son, Roman, 4, not pictured, out of their burning house while he was working aboard a commercial fishing vessel on Saturday morning.

Durell Godfrey

Sep. 16, 2014

Taylor K. Vecsey

The Springs community is planning a fund-raiser for a family that narrowly escaped a fire at its house on Saturday morning and lost everything to the flames.

Judi Bistrian and her children, Violet, 11, and Roman, 4, got out of the burning house just moments before the windows began to explode, Ms. Bistrian said on Tuesday. Their two dogs and two turtles also made it out. "It's quite a miracle we're alive," she said. All three were transported to Southampton Hospital for observation for smoke inhalation. Ms. Bistrian was admitted for treatment and was released Saturday afternoon.

Her husband, Rob Bistrian, was on the third day of a commercial fishing trip at the time.

Their home of 13 years was destroyed. The family is staying with Ms. Bistrian's mother, Peggy Miller, and her husbnad, Chuck Miller, both members of the Springs Fire Department. Since the children were homeschooled, they've also lost their classroom and supplies.

The fire's cause is still under investigation.

"I am not sad. I am not depressed. I am just thrilled to be alive and thrilled my children are alive and just in awe of my community," Ms. Bistrian said.

One of Ms. Bistrian's closest friends, Dawn Green, a lieutenant in the Springs Fire Department, which responded to the blaze, said the Bistrian family has been overwhelmed by the help they've received so far. "Harbor Bistro donated dinner to them, there's been an outpouring of food and toys and books and clothes — every crevice of East Hampton and Springs, especially, has just been amazing. Even food and stuff like that for the animals," Ms. Green said.

However, she wants to ensure that her friends have money to replace what they still need. The benefit will be held on Saturday at the Springs Firehouse on Fort Pond Boulevard from 4 to 7 p.m. There will be live music, food, and a 50-50 raffle. Admission is $40.

Donations by check can be sent to the Springs Presbyterian Church with "Bistrian" written on the memo line. The address is 5 Old Stone Highway, East Hampton 11937. Pastor Tony Larson has been helping organize the effort, along with Ann Glennon, the Springs Fire District treasurer and a firefighter.