MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Maple Grove firefighters say a family is safe but displaced after a house fire early Saturday morning.
According to firefighters, the fire started around midnight in a house on Hemlock Lane and spread quickly. The family got away safely, but their pets did not survive.
The Maple Grove fire says the house has suffered extensive damage and is no longer safe to live in. It took the fire brigade two hours to get the fire under control.
The fire is under investigation, but does not appear suspicious, according to the fire service. The Red Cross assists the family.
Tonight’s house fire went to 3+ alarms, with assistance from Rogers, Plymouth, Osseo, Brooklyn Park and LSU from St Louis Park. Family displaced. Parents and children safe, but unfortunately lost pets. Cause is investigated. pic.twitter.com/gQ80E2IM0q
– Maple Grove Fire Rescue (@grove_fire) December 26, 2020
This fire woke the Dugger family just after midnight. Four children, all under 12, and the parents got out on time. The family’s six pets – two dogs, two cats and two bunnies – couldn’t get out.
“You’re in shock when this happens,” said Kevin Dugger.
He says that when they all evacuated their homes in the middle of the night, neighbors they had never met before met them on the street to give money and help.
“It was really overwhelming to know that people who don’t even know you’re there for you,” said Dugger, “give us a gift card to have a complete stranger and to let friends and family tell you we’re here. because you were amazing and then the red cross came out in the middle of the night. “
The MN Red Cross helped set up the Duggers with the necessities: food, clothing, and a temporary shelter.
“It’s the silver lining in this, especially after the loss of our animals, which were certainly part of our family,” Dugger said.
As the family mourns the loss of their pets, they are reminded of how much support they have in bearing this loss.
“You’re definitely discovering what’s important in life in these times,” said Dugger, “especially in 2020, just to be reminded that humanity still exists.”