House Fire in Gabriels Overnight. Family Was Away Camping. Cats Found Safe.
A house fire around midnight destroyed much of a Gabriels home. Katie Burgess and her son Elliot were camping and are safe. Both cats have been found. A GoFundMe has been set up.
A house fire broke out around midnight in Gabriels, destroying much of the home of Katie Burgess and her son Elliot. The family was not home — they were camping — and was alerted by a neighbor who heard smoke alarms and called 911.
Paul Smiths-Gabriels Volunteer Fire Department confirmed the following: At approximately 11:50pm, PSGVFD was dispatched to a working structure fire on State Route 86 at the old diner building in Gabriels. Units arrived to find smoke and fire showing. All occupants were out of the building and no injuries were reported.
Water supply was established at Camp Gabriels to fill tankers. The fire was brought under control and overhaul began at 1:01am. Approximately 10,000 gallons of water were used. All PSG units cleared the scene at 2:19am and were back in service at 3:00am.
Mutual aid was provided by: Bloomingdale Volunteer Fire Department, Saranac Lake Volunteer Fire Department, Saranac Lake Volunteer Rescue Squad, Franklin County Deputy Coordinators, and Franklin County Cause and Origin Team.
According to community members, flames were visible coming from the side door when first responders arrived. The fire appears to have started in the kitchen area. First responders also sprayed water in the living room. Significant damage was reported to the home and its contents.
The family’s dogs were with them at camp and are safe. Both cats, Grinch and Birdie, have since been found safe.
Both Grinch and Birdie have been found safe. Thank you to everyone in the Gabriels community who kept an eye out.
“Even with the insane response time we lost so much, everything I’ve worked for in this house the last 6 years,” Burgess wrote on social media. “Any support to use along this hard journey we thank you so much.”
About Katie and Elliot
Katie is a single mom who works hard to give Elliot the best life she can. The fire has turned their lives upside down. Funds raised will go directly toward temporary housing, replacing essential belongings, and supporting the process of rebuilding. Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference.
Support the family: gofund.me/717a7cce6
This is a developing story. Tri-Lakes Town Square will update as more information becomes available.