On Sunday morning, the Skerritt family of North Branford lost their home and all of their belongings to a fire in their Beech Street home.
reported that three brothers were home at the time of the fire. Two were in the lower level of the raised ranch when they heard a strange noise and smelled something. They woke the other brother up and got the family’s five dogs out of the house.
Chrissy, a neighbor, said a passerby stopped when she saw the youngest trying to get one of the dogs from the street. The woman stopped, helped the boy get the dogs into her car and saw the house was on fire.
“She stayed with them the whole time,” said Chrissy. “She called the mom and assured her that her children and dogs were safe. It really shows how great the people in this community are.”
The responded and “did a great job knocking down the fire quickly,” according to Seward. “Unfortunately the family did lose a lot of personal property.”
Seward reported that the preliminary investigation shows the fire may have started in the kitchen. The NBFD was on the scene for hours, ripping down the ceilings, checking for hot spots and clearing debris from the house.
The insurance company boarded up the property and the building inspector declared the home uninhabitable.
“Three teenagers were home at the time so they’re really lucky [that no one was hurt],” said Seward.
How You Can Help
The family of six lost all of their belongings due to the fire. Neighbors and the PTO have started a collection if you have any items to spare.
, and have all donated dog food, gift cards and clothes, respectively, but the family is still in need of everyday necessities.
The teenage boys enjoy video games and computers and lost their X-Box, which was a favorite past-time. The mother lost her prized collection of Mickey Mouse and Disney memorabilia.
The family also has five dogs, including two Australian shepherds, two miniature Australian shepherds and toy breed dog. Australian shepherds enjoy balls and stuffed animals.
The dogs, which are being boarded in Westbrook, are in need of food, beds, leashes and crates.
Suggested Donations
- 10-year-old boy: size 7/8 clothing, size 3 shoes. He enjoys Legos and football.
- 12-year-old boy: size 12/14 clothing, size 11 ½ (men’s) shoes
- 15-year-old boy: size 16/18 clothing, size 12 (men’s) shoes
- 18-year-old boy: adult size small clothing
- mom: size 10 shoes, medium clothes
- dad: size 10 ½ shoes, extra-large clothes
- Toiletries
- Gift cards
There is dropoff location at the , which is open 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday; 5:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays; and 7 a.m. to noon on Saturdays and Sundays. You can also call Chrissy at 203-433-4181 or Jennifer D'Addio at 203-314-2382 to pick items up from your house. Gift cards can be sent to , care of Jennifer D'Addio, NBIS PTO, 654 Foxon Road, North Branford, CT 06471.
