MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Maple Grove firefighters say a family is safe but displaced after a house fire on Saturday morning.
According to firefighters, the fire started around midnight at a Hemlock Lane home and spread quickly. The family managed to get out safely, but their pets did not survive.
The Maple Grove fire says the house has suffered major damage and is no longer safe to live in. The firefighters took two hours to control the fire.
The fire is under investigation, but it does not appear to be suspicious, according to firefighters. The Red Cross is helping the family.
The fire in the house tonight reached 3+ alarms, with the help of Rogers, Plymouth, Osseo, Brooklyn Park and LSU of St Louis Park. Displaced family. Parents and children are safe, but unfortunately they have lost pets. Cause under investigation. pic.twitter.com/gQ80E2IM0q
– Rescue in Maple Grove (@grove_fire) December 26, 2020
This fire woke the Dugger family out of sleep just after midnight. Four children, all under the age of 12, and the parents managed to get out in time. The family’s six pets – two dogs, two cats and two rabbits – were unable to leave.
“You are in shock when that happens,” said Kevin Dugger.
He says that when they all evacuated their home in the middle of the night, neighbors they had never seen before met them on the street to give money and help.
“It’s really amazing to know that people who don’t even know you’re by their side,” said Dugger, “having a complete stranger giving us a gift card and just having friends and family telling us that we’re here for you have been amazing and then for the red cross to appear in the middle of the night. “
The MN Red Cross helped prepare the Duggers with the essentials: food, clothing and a place to stay temporarily.
“It’s the bright side to this, especially after losing our animals, which were definitely part of our family,” said Dugger.
While the family is mourning the loss of their pets, they are reminded of how much support they have in supporting them during that loss.
“You definitely discover what is important in life during these times,” said Dugger, “especially in 2020, to be reminded that humanity still exists.”