House fire halts Christmas for Polson family

By MICHELLE LOVATO

Lake County Leader

A pre-Christmas house fire in Polson left a family grieving for the loss of two family dogs but thankful they were alive.

Not home when the fire broke out, Dion Chiaramonte of Polson said she and her two children returned at just before 6 p.m. and found their home full of smoke. 

Chiaramonte said she left her two children outside and tried to enter the house but was forced back out because the smoke was too thick. One of her three dogs ran from the home. 

Chiaramonte later learned that her two other dogs perished inside.

Polson Fire Department crews arrived on scene and began working the structure fire, Karen Sargeant, Polson Fire Department Public Information Officer said.

“The first city units arrived on scene and confirmed that it was a working structure fire with flames visible inside at the rear of the structure with smoke visible coming from the eaves and around the chimney,” Sargeant said. “All occupants and one dog made it safely out of the structure before the fire department arrived. Firefighters made entry into the structure, knocked the fire down, extinguished all flames and began ventilating the heavy smoke that was throughout the structure.”  

Sargeant said that the age of the house was one reason the fire spread quickly into the attic area of the house and did extensive damage to the roof rafters. 

“The rafter damage coupled with heavy smoke damage made the structure a total loss,” she said.

Surprisingly however, firefighters were able to help the residents by salvaging the Christmas presents.

The presents were located under a small section of the Christmas tree that did not burn.  

The Red Cross was notified and arrived quickly to assist the residents with finding temporary shelter,” Sargeant said.  

“The cause of the fire is believed to be electrical in nature and originated in the rear kitchen area, she said. 

The resident had no rental insurance. However, the owner of the house did have it insured.  

Chiaramonte’s belongings were not insured but the homeowner did have insurance on the structure.

Polson Fire Department responded with three apparatus and 15 personnel. Polson Police Department and Polson Ambulance also responded with assistance.  Polson Rural Fire was requested for mutual aid and responded with one engine with six personnel. 

It was a sad end to what has been a rough year for the family. Chiaramonte told the Daily Interlake that she got divorced, had to hire a private investigator to track down a child that was taken from her and worked four jobs as a single mother to provide for her children. She also has a health issue with her leg that will require a visit to a specialist soon. 

However, on Christmas Eve, Chiaramonte was looking on the bright side of things. She said she never asked for any help after the fire but people just started showing up of their own accord, ready to help. 

“The community has been incredible,” Chiaramonte said. “I don’t know how word spread so fast.” 

The family was given a room at in the KwaTaqNuk Resort for two days. The resort is a drop station for donations to help them get back on their feet. 

Chiaramonte wears size 10 boots and size 28 by 36 to 38 jeans. 

Her 5-year-old daughter wears size 6 clothing and a size 12-1 boot. 

Eight-year-old Matthew wears size 8 clothing and size 2-3 boots. 

The family also needs all household items. 

Megan Strickland, Daily Interlake reporter contributed to this story.