A Rockland family is rebuilding their lives after a devastating house fire destroyed nearly all their belongings less than a week ago. Jason Pilon, the homeowner, shared that the blaze erased 15 years of memories in just minutes, leaving the family with almost nothing.
The fire started when Pilon’s wife accidentally turned on a stove burner after moving the coffee pot near it. She had left the room briefly, and within 10 minutes, flames had engulfed the main floor. Fortunately, she and their son escaped unharmed, but the home was largely destroyed.
While the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, Clarence-Rockland’s deputy fire chief, Martin Saumure, emphasized how rapidly fire spreads, doubling in size every minute. He reminded residents that in such emergencies, the priority should always be getting out safely.
Pilon is using his experience to warn others about the dangers of front-knob stoves and how quickly accidents can escalate. At the same time, he’s deeply grateful for the outpouring of community support. A GoFundMe campaign and donation drive organized by friends brought in overwhelming help within hours of the fire.
As his family starts from scratch, Pilon says he’s committed to turning their loss into a message of caution—and gratitude for a community that stepped in during their darkest hour.