GoFundMe set up for Cardiff residents after fire

A GoFundMe has been created to help support a Cardiff couple and their neighbor whose homes were damaged in an April 18 fire on the 100 block of Verdi Avenue.

There were no injuries to the residents or responding firefighters, according to a firefighter who was at the scene.

As of Wednesday, April 22, more than 20 donors contributed over $2,000 of a $10,000 goal for Michael and Pam Fukumura, as well as a neighbor, Susan.

Cardiff resident Casey Steinberg, who also lives on the street, created the GoFundMe.

“If you know Michael, you already know is that he is the sweetest man, generous with both his time and knowledge, and lives his life to better others,” the page reads. “Let’s rally around this wonderful man and our lovely neighbors in this time of need.”

“We just want to raise awareness,” Alan Irwin, Steinberg’s boyfriend, said in a phone interview.

Encinitas firefighter Jorge Sanchez said the cause was electrical. Firefighters were alerted of the blaze at 6:21 p.m. Saturday evening, he said.

For more information, visit gofundme.com/f/verdi-fire-emergency-fund