Two homes were damaged by fire in Newtown late Wednesday night.  A man escaped unharmed when his Riverside Road home caught fire and was destroyed.   A second home, about 30 feet south of the fire, was damaged.  Three residents there were unharmed. 

All five of Newtown’s fire companies responded.  The Newtown Bee reports that the exposure was the biggest concern, a window had popped and flames were shooting through the roof.  Firefighters dumped water on the nearby home, but say the fire reached the exterior and caused some damage. 

Eversource was contacted to cut power to both structures because one power line to each house were burning.  The Bee reports that the fire started in a bathroom in an area with a light switch and outlet.  The Fire Marshal says it's also backed up to the chimney for a wood stove. 

The cause remains under investigation. 

The Red Cross is assisting the four people affected by the fire. One cat was reported missing.