A family of five in Utica was left virtually homeless following an early morning fire Friday.
                   
Winona County Sheriff Dave Brand said the Lewiston Fire Department responded to the Jamie Seefeldt home about 1:00 a.m.  Brand said Seefeldt, his wife, and three children, ages 6, 14 and 16, all made it out safely.
                   
Brand said the fire is believed to have started on the front porch where a freezer was plugged into a wall outlet. Brand said he was told that Mrs. Seefeldt and the children smelled something about two and a-half hours earlier, discovered the freezer plug and the outlet were hot, and unplugged the chord.
                   
The family was awakened by a smoke detector.  Brand said the Lewiston Fire Department received assistance from fire departments in St. Charles and Altura.  Firefighters cleared the scene about 7:15 a.m.
                   
Brand said the house sustained extensive smoke damage and was not livable at this time.  The family is receiving assistance of clothing and shelter from the Winona County Red Cross.