Fire destroys a home in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The arson squad will return Friday to what's left of a house on Kerry Drive in Springfield's Sixteen Acres neighborhood.

An early morning fire collapsed the roof and destroyed most of the home, but it could have been a lot worse.

The man who owns the house at 42 Kerry Drive was at work when the first started shortly before 12:30 Friday morning. Neighbors saw the fire, and thought that the man's two seven-year old twin daughters may have been inside the burning home with a babysitter.

Firefighters searched the home and contacted the owner. Aide to the Springfield Fire Commissioner Dennis Leger told 22News that the man's daughters were fortunately staying with their mother at the time.

22News got to the home to find the house completely engulfed in flames and thick black smoke.

Firefighters were told to use caution while fighting the fire. A live wire separated from the house and the Western Massachusetts Electric Company was called in.

Lt. James Rosso of the Springfield Police told 22News Kerry Drive and Holcombe Road were blocked off while fire crews worked to extinguish the blaze.

As for the cause of the fire, Leger told 22News it's too early to know. At this time, he said they don't even know in which part of the house the fire started.

He said the arson squad will be investigating, though they are not suspecting at this time that the fire was set.

The Red Cross is assisting the homeowner and his two daughters.