By MATT LINDSEY

North Country Now

RENSSELAER FALLS — A furnace is being blamed for a fire that destroyed a trailer and left two people homeless Tuesday night, according to Jeff Hammond, Rensselaer Falls fire chief.

The blaze, which took place at 432 Childs Road, was reported shortly at 6:52 p.m., Hammond said.

The homeowner, Chris Whitcomb, was reportedly trying to fix his furnace when a small fire broke out. “He was trying to ignite the furnace,” Hammond said.

There was allegedly no running water in the house at the time, so the man attempted to put the fire out with snow, but his attempts were unsuccessful. “He got out and called for help,” Hammond said.

By the time firefighters arrived it was too late to save the home. The uninsured residence was deemed a total loss, Hammond said.

The man was reportedly home alone at the time, but was able to get his dog out of the house before it burned.

No injuries were reported.

Firefighters from DeKalb, Richville and Heuvelton assisted on scene for about two and half hours.

“Everything went well…quick knockdown…it was just very cold,” Hammond said.

The Red Cross was assisting the man and a female that resided in the home too. They provided food and clothing and will remain available for assistance in the coming days.