Update: Early Morning Fire Damages Home In Pawcatuck

A fire early Thursday morning damaged a raised ranch style home on Thompson Street in Pawcatuck destroying the family’s possessions.

Chief Tom Long said a woman and two children were home at the time of the fire, but were able to escape without injuries. According to Long the mother and children called in the fire at around 12:30 a.m. Thursday.

The fire significantly damaged the home and destroyed many of the family’s possessions. The American Red Cross Connecticut Region is providing financial assistance for the family to purchase clothing and food.

According to Paul Shipman, senior director of communications for the American Red Cross Connecticut Region, the family was able to find other housing. The Red Cross also provided the family with comfort kits that contain basic essentials such as toothbrushes.

Both the Pawcatuck Fire Department and Westerly EMS responded to the fire. Long said the fire originated on the lower level of the raised ranch and spread throughout the home.

Stonington police, the Pawcatuck fire marshal and the office of the state fire marshal were on the scene this morning investigating the fire.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined and remains under investigation.

David Shea has owned the property since 1999.

Editor's Note: a previous version of this story reported a mother and her two children were home at the time of the fire when in fact a mother her daughter and the daughter's friend were home at the time of the fire. All three escaped unhurt.