LEBANON — A local couple lost everything they had in a fire Saturday at 123 North Rochester Road in West Lebanon.
Now, the community is pulling together to lend a hand to Ben Rousseau and Nancy Blagdon.
The fire, reported at 10:40 a.m. Saturday, consumed a barn, the Civil War-era family home and a shed.
According to reports published on First Responder News, the homeowner was out with his tractor cleaning up snow from Friday’s storm when he accidentally ruptured a propane tank that subsequently exploded.
Seven fire departments helped Lebanon Fire Department fight the blaze.
The property was not insured.
Assistant Rescue Chief Jason Cole said the department has opened its fundraising mechanism after receiving multiple calls from community members wanting to help.
“It is amazing to see how the town comes together in time of need to help a fellow neighbor. Sunday morning we were receiving calls asking how they could help the family,” Rescue Chief Samantha Cole said.
As well, Lebanon selectmen are finalizing plans for a benefit supper. Jason Cole, also chairman of the selectmen’s board, said the supper is planned for early this month, though a date has yet to be determined.
Cole said anyone who would like to make a donation to help the family can log onto the Lebanon Rescue Department or the Town of Lebanon Facebook site, where site administrators have set up a secure link for donations via check or credit card. He said all the money donated will go to the family.
Monetary donations may also be dropped off at the Lebanon Town Office during operating hours; at the Martha Sawyer Community Library during evening hours; or at Batchelder Tractor Sales, Route 202, during business hours.
“They have lost everything and have no insurance,” said Jason Cole. “Due to the generosity of their neighbors, the family has obtained some basic items like clothes and food. But everything they have worked for is basically gone.
“The family hopes to rebuild at the same location and I have already heard from dozens of residents who want to be there to help. A lot of the labor will be donated and the family has a lot of land, so they plan on using the trees on site to help defray some of the rebuilding costs,” Cole said.
The couple is staying with friends.
Residents who have questions on other items that they would like to donate can contact Assistant Chief Jason Cole at 608-5615 or asstchiefcole@lebanonrescue.com.
— Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 or twells@journaltribune.com.
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