ESSEX, Vt. (AP) -- Officials are investigating a fire that left a mother and daughter homeless.
It took more than 40 firefighters from several towns to extinguish the blaze Sunday, said Essex Fire Department Chief Howard Rice.
The homeowner, Kim Simonds, was out shopping with her daughter and returned to discover the emergency crews, he said. Two family cats escaped the blaze, and firefighters removed a handmade kayak, the chief said.
A large section of roof caved in toward the rear of the house, leaving a charred, gaping cavity. Blackened timbers were the only things visible through the heat-shattered front windows.
Neighbor Russ Kinaman said residents would help Simonds and her young daughter.
Rice said the house was insured.
There were no reported injuries.
