A Smithfield family of three has been left homeless after a fast-moving fire of unknown origin tore through their two-storey home on Tuesday, destroying the house they had lived in for more than five decades and reducing years of memories, documents, and work tools to ashes.
The blaze displaced 52-year-old contractor Sean Embrack, his mother Charlotte Embrack, and his 13-year-old daughter. No injuries were reported, but the family lost nearly all their belongings, including essential equipment used in Embrack’s construction business.
Embrack said he first noticed smoke rising from the upper floor shortly after electricity was restored to the house.
“All I saw was smoke coming out from the ceiling at the front of the house. The electricity had just come back on when I noticed it. I don’t want to speculate whether it was electrical or not because I really don’t know,” he said.
He said the fire spread within moments, engulfing the upper storey and destroying three bedrooms, a kitchen, and a bathroom, along with generators, jackhammers, concrete cutters, and other tools.
“Everything upstairs was damaged. Nothing was safe. My mother’s birth certificate, passport, and all her documents were destroyed. We lost everything,” he lamented.
Despite the devastation, Embrack said he was grateful no lives were lost.
“At least nobody got hurt. That’s what matters most. We just have to rebuild and start over somehow.”
Charlotte Embrack said she was away from home visiting relatives when she received the news.
“He called to ask me where I am. Then he told me there was a fire at the house,” she said. “I called Sean and he told me everyone was safe… I have nothing left.”
She said she is now homeless and unsure where to go next.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Anyone wishing to assist the family can contact 692-7208.
