Family of 5 homeless after Champlain fire

Oct. 03--CHAMPLAIN -- William Lee was pushing his baby on a swing in the backyard of his home at 15 Moore St. when he noticed smoke rolling out of their residence.

He reported the fire around 1:15 p.m. Monday as his wife, Nicole, raced home from work.

Firefighters saved the structure and vented the smoke, but when it cleared, soot covered all their belongings; the baby's high chair had melted to the floor; and flames had destroyed the enclosed front porch, William's mother, Kathleen Lee, told the Press-Republican Wednesday afternoon.

The Lees and their three children -- 12, 9 and 1 -- lost everything as a result of the smoke damage, she said.

"It's been pretty traumatic," Kathleen said. "They might have to look for a new place to live. It could be months."

The electrical fire erupted in the breaker box in the basement. The family did not have renters insurance, Kathleen said.

The North Country Chapter of the American Red Cross has put them up in a motel.

It was still unclear whether they will be able to move back into the residence when the electrical panel is replaced and the smoke and water damage is repaired, Kathleen said.

"Everything is kind of in limbo now," she added. "They like living where they were living, but they have to live somewhere."

She said the family will definitely need clothing and other items but that it was too early to list anything specific.

"Luckily, we have family that can help out," she said.

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