MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Maple Grove firefighters say a family is safe but displaced after a house fire Saturday morning.
According to fire officials, the fire started around midnight at a Hemlock Lane residence and quickly spread. The family was able to leave safely, but their pets did not survive.
The Maple Grove fire says the house suffered significant damage and is no longer safe to live in. It took firefighters two hours to control the fire.
According to fire officials, the fire is being investigated, but does not appear suspicious. The Red Cross helps the family.
The night’s fire triggered more than three alarms, with the help of Rogers, Plymouth, Osseo, Brooklyn Park and LSU of St. Louis Park. Displaced family. Parents and children safe, but unfortunately family pets have been lost. Cause investigated. pic.twitter.com/gQ80E2IM0q
– Maple Grove Fire Rescue (@grove_fire) December 26, 2020
This fire woke the Dugger family from sleep shortly after midnight. Four children, all under the age of 12, and their parents managed to get out on time. The family’s six pets (two dogs, two cats and two bunnies) were unable to leave.
“You’re in a state of shock when that happens,” Kevin Dugger said.
He says when they all evacuated their home at midnight, neighbors they had never met before found them on the street to give money and help.
“It’s really been overwhelming to know that people who don’t even know you’re there for you,” Dugger said, “To have a complete stranger, give us a gift card and just have friends and family tell us we’re here for you it has been amazing and then for the red cross at night. “
The MN Red Cross helped establish the Duggers with the essentials: food, clothing, and a place to stay temporarily.
“It’s the silver lining in this, especially after losing our animals, who were definitely part of our family,” Dugger said.
As the family mourns the loss of their pets, they are reminded of the amount of support this loss has brought them.
“Definitely find out what’s important in life during these times,” Dugger said, “especially in 2020, to remember that humanity still exists.”