Union-News (Springfield, MA)
CHESTERFIELD, MA – Residents and town officials have set up a fund to aid a Willicutt Road couple whose home was badly damaged in a fire last Friday.
Selectman Donald Houghton said contributions are being taken to help John and Dorothy Beaulieu, who are planning to live in a trailer until their house can be rebuilt.
Chesterfield Fire Chief Winston Bancroft said the fire, which was reported about 11 a.m., was caused by a pan left unattended on the stove.
The home’s kitchen, he said, was gutted, while the roof sustained severe damage and the rest of the house suffered serious smoke and water damage.
Bancroft said the fire was through the roof when 20 firefighters, from Chesterfield, Goshen and Williamsburg, arrived. Deputy Fire Chief Gilman Smith said the group fought the blaze at the mid-size ranch house for about 20 minutes.
Yesterday, John Beaulieu said he and his wife have been staying with a daughter in Chesterfield temporarily, and plan to rebuild the house.
Beaulieu, who operates an auto shop, said he is waiting to find out how much his insurance company will pay for repairs. “The main thing was nobody was hurt – the house itself can be replaced,” he said.
Houghton said similar funds have been set up before to aid local fire and accident victims, or people with high medical bills. “It provides a little money until the insurance checks arrive,” he said.
The fund for the Beaulieus was first announced at a church service Sunday, Houghton said. Donations may be sent to Treasurer Sylvia Lawler, at 477 Main Road in Chesterfield, 01012.