On the heels of two fires that destroyed a Kingston apartment and injured two firefighters, the Ulster County community is rallying around the displaced family, while the Kingston Fire Department struggles due to declining manpower. YNN’s Alexandra Weishaupt has more.

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KINGSTON, N.Y. -- Bags of winter jackets, long pants, long shirts, all being collected at the Town of Ulster Highway Department for the Pirigyi family who lost everything due to fire.

“If you know Pauly, you know that he really does care about everybody and he could use your help right now,” said Town of Ulster Highway Department Superintendent Frank Petramale.

Pauly Pirigyi’s Franklin Street apartment went up in flames on Saturday and again on Monday, leaving him, his sister and brother-in-law displaced. Saturday’s fire is said to be caused by a defective cable connected to the hot water heater. Monday’s is still under investigation.

“Because of the severe damage that that was done by the second fire, we way never actually be able to determine a cause of the second fire,” said Kingston Fire Department Chief John Reinhardt.

The Pirigyi’s are currently staying with relatives as they struggle to get back on their feet, but they’re not the only ones feeling the effects of the fire.

“The more people you have out, whether its regular sickness or injuries, certainly puts a strain on the department,” said Reinhardt.

Because of inclement weather, two firefighters were injured during Saturday’s fire, while two others remain off-duty due to previous injuries, leaving the 56 member department undermanned.

“We’re struggling through it and we will survive and we will provide protection that residences deserve,” said Reinhardt.

And as they manage to care for the city, the community gives back by continuing to lend a helping hand.

“We’ll collect until the collections stop coming in,” said Petramale. “They could use it.”