SOMERS, Conn. — The Town of Somers was blanketed with a dark cloud since Tuesday night after residents found out about the death of the four children in the fire.
They, along with businesses, are focused on helping families get back on their feet.
"Everybody is in tears this morning," said Jessica Burnham, a waitress at Somers Pizza.
Large flames and smoke were seen billowing from miles away Tuesday night from a home on Quality Avenue.
Tony Okanos lived right around the corner and he knew something was wrong with sirens blaring nonstop.
"All kinds of fire engines, police vehicles, ambulances, everything. It continued for quite a while. My neighbor called me and said, look out your window and when I did, all we could see was flames," said Okanos, cashier of Somers Star Hardware.
On Wednesday morning, fire officials confirmed four children from the same family died. All of them attended Somers Elementary School.
The news left everyone searching for words.
"I immediately broke because I can only imagine what the family was feeling," said Dechon Harris, supervisor of Claudette Consignment.
Immediately, the community support poured in. Somers Pizza made deliveries to the elementary school on Wednesday.
"They did already call today and I did talk to a teacher already and I sent over some extra sodas and pizzas for people," said Lisa Berzin, owner of Somers Pizza.
The superintendent of Somers Public Schools issued a letter and said counseling and support would be available to students and staff.
Jessica Burnham, a waitress at Somers Pizza now only has memories of the four children who were loyal customers.
"The kids frequent the sidewalks. We have the park right over here by the pond, so everybody usually in good weather are running around and hang out," added Burnham.
Just hours after the fire, Claudette Consignment received a big batch of donations and also had a jar by the cash register.
"I posted it on the Somers forum and it just got shared left and right and I was like good! Now let’s focus on bringing the clothes in," added Harris.
If you would like to help the families out, Claudette Consignment will be accepting donations until the families are settled at their new homes.
Right now, they are taking monetary donations or any other donations the public is willing to pass along.
Carmen Chau is an anchor and reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at cchau@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook and X.
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