Family Displaced by House Fire [Video]

A family with five children has been displaced after a fire broke out in their Klondike Street house today.

One adult resident was transported to the hospital for apparent smoke inhalation injuries, according to Deputy Fire Chief Brian Lampart. He said the fire appears to have originated in the kitchen of the two-story house, located at 258 Klondike St., at approximately 2 p.m.

Stratford resident Kelly Levasseur said she called 911 when she saw smoke coming from the house, which is across the street from where she lives.

As she described how the neighborhood is close-knit, the male resident who lives in the house that caught fire sat on her front steps, holding one of his children, who was wearing a plastic fire helmet given to him by a firefighter. The man declined to comment.

Levasseur said she has lived in her home for 16 years and that the family who lives in the house that caught fire has been there about that long, too. Their houses is now uninhabitable, Lampart said, and damage to the rear of the structure was fairly extensive.

"We're going to help in him in every way we can," Levasseur said. "What ever they need, we're here."

The family also received some assistance from the American Red Cross. According to a release provided by the organization, the Red Cross provided the family with informational materials on recovering from disasters such as fires and also provided comfort kits, containing age and gender appropriate personal care items such as toothbrushes, deodorant, shaving supplies and other items a family might not have been able to gather in the rush to escape the fire. Children's kits include coloring supplies and a stuffed toy. The family did not need significant financial assistance, according to the organization.

“Not every family requires a full range of Red Cross assistance, but we are available as an information resource and for emotional support,” said American Red Cross spokesperson Paul Shipman. “Sometimes you just need a reassuring presence at a difficult time with information to guide you on next steps. The Red Cross can help.”

American Red Cross disaster assistance is free of charge, a gift made possible by generous donations and the work of volunteers. For more information about the Red Cross and how you can help, visit www.ctredcross.org.