The fire that engulfed a home on Encampment Place and displaced a Ridgefield family last night, started in a closet in an upstairs bedroom of the home, according to Ridgefield Fire Chief, Jerry Myers.
The four children were in the house with a babysitter when one of the children noticed a smell upstairs. She alerted the babysitter who immediately grabbed the fire extinguisher in an effort to put out the fire.
"When she made no headway, she brought the children outside and called 911," said Myers. "She did everything we could hope for," he said.
The cause of the fire is undetermined but Myers says it is not suspicious in nature.
The home suffered extensive damage. "The home will not be able to be occupied for an extended period of time," said Myers.
How can Ridgefield help? The family is in need of gift cards, according to friend and neighbor Christine Santori who has organized community outreach. "Visa gift cards can be dropped off at 25 Encampment or 57 Old Trolley. You are also welcome to donate clothing which can be dropped off at 25 Encampment Place.
- Stevie - size 7 superhero, Yankees or plain, Children’s Place jeans
- Lilybeth - anything black or pink or red in size 11 tops and leggings and pants
- Caroline - anything in purple, green and blue size 11 tops and leggings and pants
- Jack - size 14 in dark blue and black and Children’s Place jeans.
Thank you to Christine Santori and the Ridgefield community for helping this family.