PLATTSBURGH -- Firefighters were relieved when initial reports of a trapped child were false as fire destroyed a home in the Town of Plattsburgh Sunday afternoon.

District 3 Fire Chief William Fuller said that as firefighters arrived, most of the fire was on the second floor and the rear of the first floor.

"Initial reports were that a child was trapped, but they proved to be false."

He said firefighters immediately think of the safety of the trapped person but also have to be conscious of their own well-being.

"You do whatever you can to get the person out. Thankfully, no one was in there."

The two-story white structure at 393 Stafford Road was home to Roger LaTour, 43; his girlfriend, Tina Parker, 35; and her two children, Austin Hackett, 14, and Dylan Hackett, 12. No one was home at the time of the fire.

The family dog was outside, safe in a enclosed kennel cage.

"I was in Morrisonville to get lunch meat," LaTour said. "I was on my way home with my brother-in-law and his kids when I got a call that the house was on fire.

"What I had in there was all I owned."

He said the family has a lot of relatives in the area, and they will be able to stay with someone.

They were living there under a rent-to-own agreement with the home's owner, Leander Parrotte.

LaTour said he was unsure about insurance but believed Parrotte had the house insured.

Fuller said the house was a total loss, and the family lost all of their belongings.

The family does plan to contact the American Red Cross for help.

Friends and family members rushed to the home as word spread, many with worried looks etched on their faces. Eventually, about 30 people were there to offer support.