A fire drove them from their home, but the Shahidi family is doing fine.
The Shahidis, who until Wednesday evening lived at 115 S. First Ave., were driven from their home by a house fire that started around 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12. No one was home in the upstairs apartment, while residents on the first floor were able to leave safely.
The fire was under control by 6 p.m., said Chief Michael McMahon of the Highland Park Volunteer Fire Department.
Mayor Gayle Brill Mittler said Thursday evening that the family politely has declined offers of assistance from the borough Office of Emergency Management.
“The head of the household told them that they are fine and don’t need any assistance from anyone,” she said.
The Shahidi family includes two sons, 7 and 11 years old; and a daughter, 10.
The Shahidis own a number of rental properties in the borough, in addition to other real estate in other locations as well.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Middlesex County Fire Marshal Michael Gallagher could not be reached for comment on the fire on Thursday.