
SYRACUSE — Sheila NeSmith and her teenage sons, Jaiden and Tyler, lost everything in a house fire Sunday afternoon, Oct. 20. NeSmith and her sons were not at home when the fire broke out at 204 E. Henry St.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation at this time.
Turkey Creek Fire Territory is spearheading a drive to help the family get back on their feet by accepting donations on behalf of the family. Donations can be dropped off at TCFT Station 1, 402 N. Huntington St., Syracuse, TCFT Station 2, 8138 E. McClintic Road, Syracuse, and at Babes & Combs Salon, 101 E. Main St., Syracuse.

While the American Red Cross is assisting the family with immediate needs, the family is in need of clothing. Sizes for the boys, all men’s sizes, include: pants sizes 32×30 and 32×32, shirts in sizes small/medium, underwear, sizes 16/18 and shoes sizes 11 1/2 and 12.
Sizes for NeSmith include women’s pants size 6, women’s shirts size small/medium and shoes size 6 1/2. Gift cards and/or cash will also be accepted.
Turkey Creek Fire Territory responded to the fire at 11:46 a.m. Upon arrival of the first fire department personnel found flames visible from the north and east side of the home, as well as through the roof. Firefighters brought the fire under control at 12:07 p.m. but remained at the scene until 2:43 p.m. in order to investigate for any extension of the fire. The property was secured by 1-800-Board Up.
Radiant heat also damaged a fence, boat and garage on adjacent properties at 401 and 403 N. Lake St.
Damage to the home and contents has been estimated up to $125,000. Damage to adjacent property has been estimated up to $15,000.

