PUTNAM LAKE – In a matter of minutes life was turned upside down for a Putnam Lake family when their home was destroyed by fire.
The blaze broke out last Saturday on Lakeshore Drive at the residence being rented by members of the Leslie Rodriguez family.
Despite the efforts of dozens of firefighters from Putnam, Dutchess and Fairfield counties, the home was declared as being uninhabitable while all of the occupants’ possessions were destroyed.
The American Red Cross is assisting the family with temporary shelter; however, in the interim, a GoFundMe fundraiser has been created with a goal set at $20,000.
Rodriguez family friend Shana Gallagher conceived the initiative. “Leslie is a mom who works tirelessly to provide for her child. In one tragic event, their sense of stability and security was taken away. Any donation—no matter the amount—will help ease the burden during this incredibly difficult time. If you’re unable to give, please consider sharing the page and keeping Leslie and her family in your thoughts and prayers,” said Gallagher on Tuesday.
Rodriguez said her mother and aunt were inside the home when the fire broke out. “They were able to escape safely, and for that we are beyond grateful. But everything else we owned is gone.”
Rodriguez described the modest home as “our safe place. It was where we laughed, rested, and felt secure. In a matter of minutes, fire took away our home, our belongings, and our sense of normalcy. We lost everything: Our clothes, our food, our memories and our peace. My heart breaks for my son since he no longer has a bed to sleep in; a sound machine to comfort him, or a living room to play and be a kid.”
She said they are “are heartbroken, overwhelmed, and completely unsure of what comes next. We are incredibly thankful to the fire department for their fast response and bravery. Right now, we don’t know where we will go or how we will rebuild. Any help, support, prayers, or donations—no matter how small—would mean everything to us.”
Fire department administration said the blaze began in a well pump electrical panel located in the basement and spread.
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