Oxford family’s home destroyed in fire, firefighters work in frigid cold for 11 hours

OXFORD, Conn. (WFSB) - Quaker Farms Fire Company in Oxford says they spent 11 hours fighting a massive fire that destroyed a home on Jensen Farm Road.

“I just saw my entire house in flames. My entire life burning to the ground,” said Rich Burns Jr. of Oxford.

Firefighters responded at around 7:42 p.m. to discover the home was fully engulfed and extended to the roof.

High winds contributed to pushing the fire across the house, according to the fire department.

The weather caused other issues with their water supply and equipment, with hose lines and apparatus freezing up in the extremely low temperatures.

The home belonged to Rich Burns and his family for 6 years. That is where he and his wife started their family.

“I have an 18 month old son and a 4 year old daughter who I love greatly. They’re my whole world,” said Rich.

The house is gone but his family is safe.

“I want to thank the Oxford fire department, the surrounding towns who also supported. The Oxford Police, the State Police on the bitter cold night, my friends, my family, my neighbors, all their generosity,” Rich said.

Multiple fire companies responded for assistance including the Great Hill Hose Company, which was used as a water fill site for tanker trucks to bring additional water to the scene.

Quaker Farms Fire Company also thanked Seymour, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Southbury, Middlebury, and Monroe for their assistance.

The family was not home at the time and there were no injuries.

Donations have been pouring in with car seats, high chairs, clothes and cribs.

“When your house burns down, you don’t want to go to the store and I didn’t have to. People brought clothes and diapers,” Rich said.

The generosity continued when one man, Tom Haynes, offered Rich and his family a place to stay.

“I have a family and little kids and no where to stay. He offers me a place to stay. Don’t worry he’s going to furnish the place, he’s going to stock my fridge. You can’t find a better guy. He offers me his personal car,” thanked Rich.

He says that act felt like 100 pounds were lifted off his chest.

While their house is gone, he and his family cant thank everyone enough for the support.

“It means the world. I never want to leave Oxford after something like this. Thank you, everybody,” Rich said.

Quaker Farm Road was closed between Carriage Drive & the High School while firefighters responded.

A GoFundMe for the family has raised over $20,000 since it was launched on Saturday. Click here to support the family.

Copyright 2023 WFSB. All rights reserved.