Bingham Farms fire claims life of woman beloved by community

BINGHAM FARMS, Mich. (FOX 2) - The tight-knit community of Bingham Farms in Oakland County was left reeling after a holiday fire at a home left one of their neighbors dead in a tragic blaze. 

Her husband was also critically injured after their home on Coachlight Lane near Old Stage Road caught fire on Dec. 21 around 1 a.m.

Larissa Nikoriak is remembered as a loving neighbor who often expressed her creative side. Some of those that live closest to her could even see her artwork through their window.

"Just devastated. I mean, and horrified," said Janet McCafferty.

She and her husband Tim awoke to shades of orange flicking outside their bedroom window, with flames spilling through the home. 

Her husband, Vlad, had tried to get his wife to safety, but never made it. He suffered burns and is currently being treated in the ICU.

"It was just really tough not knowing and then we found out from one of the neighbors that Vlad had made it out but he was very burned," said Tim McCafferty.

Franklin-Birmingham Farms fire officials say the cause is still unknown.

They were assisted in fighting the fire in Southfield, Farmington Hills, and Bloomfield Hills. Days after the tragedy, they have been sharing in the community's struggles.

Larissa Nikoriak

Another neighbor named Dave Coley described them as the perfect people to have living across the street. 

"The night of the fire, the streets were lined with concerned neighbors, so we all came together," he said. "Immediately, folks started reaching out to the daughters through Facebook Messenger, and of course the gofundme has really taken off."

A gofundme for the family has also taken off - with tens of thousands being raised to help them. You can find the link here.