After Home Burns to Ground, Beloved Southampton Residents Thank Community for Support

SOUTHAMPTON, NY - Two well-loved Southampton residents were dealt a tragic blow on Thursday, when their home burned to the ground in a fierce blaze.

Terri Kiernan, Southampton Town Receiver of Taxes, and her mother, Ann LaWall, a bastion of Southampton's business community for years, were in Florida on Thursday when they got the call that their family home was destroyed in the fire.

The fire broke out about 3 a.m. at their home on Seven Ponds Road, Kiernan said. "The cause is under investigation. There is no indication of foul play. It was just a very horrible accident," she said.

"It is very surreal at this point," she said. "I'm so grateful that no one was injured. My dog Brando was there with my dog sitter and he is fine. The fire department is amazing —how hard they tried to salvage anything and they were dealing with absolutely horrible weather conditions."

Their family celebrated 40 years in their home this past December. "So many memories," Kiernan said.

Across the community, scores of heartsick friends have left messages of support and offers of help on Kiernan's Facebook page.

She responded to the outpouring in a Facebook message: "I cannot begin to express sufficient gratitude to every person who has been by the house, called, messaged, etc. to offer help, prayers and support today. By the grace of God no one was injured and my Brando is safe and sound. The stuff is just that — 'stuff'. A thousand thank yous to all of the awesome and amazing people that I know. God bless you all — my family and I are the ones who are truly blessed because of you."