Fire leaves family of four homeless

By Benning W. De La Mater
Updated: 12/22/2009 11:44:59 PM EST


Berkshire Eagle Staff

LENOX -- A family of four is homeless after an intense fire ripped through their two-story house early Monday morning.

Lenox Deputy Fire Chief Christopher O’Brien said Michael and Kathleen Cleary heard noises in the attic of their home at 15 Bracelan Court at around 12:45 a.m. Monday.

When they went to investigate, they discovered smoke, called firefighters and exited the home. The fire engulfed the attic within minutes and punched a hole in the roof.

"The flames were coming out around the chimney by the time we arrived," O’Brien said.

Nearly 30 volunteer firefighters fought the blaze in freezing temperatures and strong winds. It took about an hour to put down the flames. No one was hurt.

The couple’s two children were away at college at the time of the fire and were due back home Monday afternoon. The American Red Cross of Berkshire County provided assistance to the family, including a hotel room.

An investigation by Lenox firefighters and a member of the state fire marshal’s office determined that the fire was due to a malfunction of the fireplace, wood stove or oil burner in an area close to the chimney.

The fire destroyed the roof and caused extensive damage to the first and second floors. O’Brien said a dollar amount had yet to be assigned to the damage, although he believes some portion of the home may be salvageable. House prices range between $300,000 to $600,000



in that neighborhood.
"It’s terrible to see this kind of thing anytime but it’s especially heartbreaking during the holidays," O’Brien said.

To reach Benning W. De La Mater:

bdelamater@berkshireeagle.com,

(413) 496-6243.