Christmas fire leaves Henniker family homeless

Pam Hopkins and Rick Gore and two other family members were displaced by a fire in their home on French Pond Road on Thursday, Christmas Day. No one was injured in the blaze.

The family is currently staying at the Henniker Motel, and are looking for an apartment in town so that they can keep their eight-year old in the Henniker Community School.

The fire began around 3:20 p.m. with flames and smoke spewing from the house. A two-alarm fire, the Henniker Fire Department was joined by firefighters from Hillsborough, Hopkinton, Bradford, Warner and Weare to contain it. Within 40 minutes the blaze was under control.

According to Henniker firefighter Mick Costello, the house was not entirely consumed.

The Granite State Chapter of the American Red Cross is assisting the family with temporary lodging, food and clothing. All their Christmas presents were lost in the fire.

Community members have been rallying to their aid.

According to MaryEllen Schule of the white Birch Community Center, information about apartments is being collected for the family. Hopkins and Gore are welcoming gift cards and small meals at their hotel room, where they have a small refrigerator and a microwave, so as to avoid the expense of eating out.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, although officials suspect it was the result of a chimney fire.

The Red Cross is also accepting donations, but if donors want their donations to go directly to the family they must explain that. Donations may be made by check to the Red Cross, Granite State Chapter, 2 Maitland St., Concord, 03301.