Photo Courtesy of R&R Event Pros, November 28, 2016
A family of five lost their home to a house fire Monday night, Nov. 28 after some sort of explosion in the fireplace. All five members of the family escaped without injury, however the family pets did not survive.
Kelly Greene,Greene Publishing, Inc.
On Monday, Nov. 28 at 7:41 p.m., an “all call” was placed alerting local fire departments to respond to a house fire located at 3297 NE Rutherford Rd., in Lee.
According to Lee Fire Chief Diane Beck, at the time of the fire the dwelling was occupied by Edward Gismondi, Paula LaPoint, three children, their dog and a pet snake. Unfortunately, the family's pets died during the fire with the presumed cause of death, smoke inhalation.
The occupants reported to officials that there was a problem with the fireplace, a possible crack in the structure, which resulted in an explosion.
Madison Fire and Rescue, Lee Volunteer Fire Department, Hamburg-Lovett Volunteer Fire Department, Greenville Volunteer Fire Department and Pinetta Volunteer Fire Department were the respondents on the scene and put the fire out.
As of Monday night, there was substantial fire and water damage to the home with little to be salvaged. However, Tuesday morning the embers reignited and the home was a complete and total loss.
Greene Publishing, Inc. will be serving as a drop-off location for donations of clothing or monetary donations for the family. The family lost many items of memorabilia that were kept in the families living room, where the fire initiated. The family's closest relatives live in Orlando and Canada with no relatives living close by. Below is a list of things they may need and a list of their sizes:
Men's pants size 32/30 or 32/32, large shirt, and size 7 shoes
Woman’s size small shirts, small pants, small shorts, size 8 shoes
12 year-old boy size 10 pants, 10-12 shirts, size 3 shoes
9 year-old girl size 7 pants, 8-10 shirt, size 2 shoes
2 year-old girl size 18-24 months, 2T panties, size 4-5 shoes, pull-ups
School Supplies
Food
Christmas presents for the children
Hygiene products
All donations may be brought to the office of Greene Publishing, Inc. located at 1695 South SR 53 South.