The Risi family lost their Newmarket home of almost 30 years in a fire last Saturday.
“We’re OK,” said Peter Risi, owner of Villa Risi restaurant in Newmarket.
After his son unsuccessfully attempted to put out the fire that started in the garage at their Glover Lane home at about 2:40 p.m. on April 3, Risi said he and his wife, daughter and son were able to safely leave their house.
Central York Fire Services responded to the family's 911 call.
As well as losing their home in the Leslie Valley neighbourhood, most of their possessions were also destroyed in the fire for which the cause has yet to be determined, Risi said.
The family is currently staying at the Best Western in Newmarket, as they begin the search for a new house in town and wait for the insurance process to be completed, he said.
Risi said they appreciate offers of assistance from the community, but repeated, “We’re OK, thank you.”
Crews from three stations responded to the garage fire that was fully involved and had spread to the second floor of the home, as well as the neighbouring home to the west, according to a CYFS incident report.
The report confirms the cause is undetermined.
Glover Lane was closed between Waratah Avenue and Leslie Valley Drive while firefighters extinguished the blaze.
