NORFOLK - A family of five living in a rental property on state Route 420 were left homeless after an overnight fire destroyed their home.

Norfolk Fire and Norfolk Rescue were called to the 1781 state Route 420 residence of Melvin Murray at 12:19 a.m. Friday. Firefighters from Massena, Louisville, Brasher-Winthrop and Helena provided mutual aid. The residence, a rental property owned by Herbie Sweet, Norwood, was the home of two adults and three children, fire investigators said.

Firefighters remained on the scene until 4:55 a.m. The report from fire control said the cause of the fire remains under investigation, and the property was declared a total loss.

The fire started in the garage and quickly lept to the mobile home, located approximately 10 feet away.

A family dog was saved, but several cats were lost in the blaze.

Fire officials said they were uncertain if the mobile home and garage were insured. They said the Murray family did not have rental insurance. The Red Cross is assisting the family.

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