The community is in anguish after a house fire killed four children and their grandmother last Thursday night in Polk Township.

A GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up for Carlos and Markie Ribera, who lost their home, their four children, Kathryn, Kaleb, Kristian and Kasper, and Markie’s mother, Rosemarie LaBarre.

LaBarre was a teacher at the East Hills MS in the Bethlehem Area School District. Her husband, Clark, died Nov. 12, 2021.

The fire broke out at 11:21 p.m. at the home on 5107 Brook Road, with fire crews responding.

Pennsylvania State Police, Hazleton barracks, said that at about 11:50 p.m. Thursday, members of Pennsylvania State Police, Lehighton, responded to the fire, along with the Troop N fire marshal and forensic services units.

After a search, LaBarre, 53, and four grandchildren between the ages of 2 and 7, were located within the residence, but couldn’t be revived.

The preliminary investigation indicates that the fire was accidental in nature, with nothing suspicious being observed at the scene.

“It is just a brutal tragedy,” Bethlehem Superintendent Dr. Joseph Roy told reporters. “It was a shock.”

Roy added that LaBarre taught family and consumer sciences and has been on leave for most of this school year.

“Mrs. LaBarre has been a dedicated and valued teacher and member of the East Hills faculty since 2008,” Roy said. “We are devastated by her passing. We have extra people at East Hills for counseling of our students and staff. Our deepest sympathy goes out to her family.”

The parents are being helped by the Red Cross and members of House on the Rock Family Church in Wind Gap, where Markie serves as children’s pastor.

Jessica McCormic of Wind Gap, a church member, started the GoFundMe, which raised $51,234 of the $100,000 goal with 675 donations by 9 p.m. Friday.

“She’s one of my best friends,” McCormic said. “I just want to help.”

McCormic said her heart goes out to Carlos and Markie for their tragic loss.

“Full of joy, loving, caring, fun, loved God,” she said. “They lost everything.”

McCormic said the Ribera family is most grateful for any and all support in their time of loss.

“We appreciate the community support,” she said. “It’s already been extremely overwhelming, and they appreciate it.”

Retired East Hills secretary Cindy Grebs said, “I am devastated at the loss of her and her grandkids in this tragic fire.

“I worked with Rosemarie for almost eight years and found her to be the most caring, compassionate and dedicated teacher to her students and staff. She loved teaching her students to sew and cook but also helped them in everyday life. Gifts from Rosemarie were canned pickles and strawberry jam – two things I always looked forward to at Christmas. I know her grandkids were her everything [to her].”

Assisting at the scene were Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, Monroe County Coroner’s Office, Polk Township Fire Company, Penn Forest Township Fire Company, West End Fire Company, St. Luke’s and West End Ambulance and fire police.