By CRAIG FREILICH

POTSDAM -- Two people were left homeless early Tuesday morning following a house fire at the site of Northern Family Motel, 6783A State Highway 56, according to St. Lawrence County Fire Investigators.

The Potsdam Fire Department received the report of a fire minutes after 4 a.m. and were on scene at 4:10 a.m., fire officials said.

Upon arrival firefighters found an older farmhouse heavily involved in a fire, investigators said.

Firefighters reportedly battled sub-freezing temps but were unable to save the home. The residence was occupied by Eric and Stephanie Matott.

Potsdam Police Department Lt. Mark Murray, who thinks highly of the Matotts, said they had “just done major work in the house, with exposed beams and other new features. Thank goodness the occupants got out.”

Potsdam firefighters were joined on scene by firefighters from Norwood, Norfolk West Stockholm and West Potsdam with Parishville on standby to cover the Potsdam fire station, investigators said.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

No injuries were reported. The home was reportedly insured.

Firefighters were back in service shortly after 10 a.m., officials said.

Other agencies on scene included state police, St. Lawrence County sheriff’s deputies, county deputy fire/EMS coordinator, Potsdam Rescue Squad, National Grid, St. Lawrence Gas and DOT.