MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Maple Grove firefighters say a family is safe but displaced after a house fire early Saturday morning.
According to fire officials, the fire started around night at a residence on Hemlock Lane and spread quickly. The family managed to get out safely, but their pets did not survive.
The fire in Maple Grove says the house has suffered significant damage and is no longer safe to live in. Firefighters took two hours to control the fire.
The fire is being investigated, but does not appear to be suspicious, according to fire officials. The Red Cross is assisting the family.
Tonight’s fire was sent to 3+ alarms, with assistance from Rogers, Plymouth, Osseo, Brooklyn Park and LSU in St. Louis Park. The displaced family. Parents and children are safe, but unfortunately they have lost pets. Case under investigation. pic.twitter.com/gQ80E2IM0q
– Maple Grove Fire Rescue (@grove_fire) December 26, 2020
This fire woke the Dugger family from sleep immediately 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 – failed to come out.
“You’re in a state of shock when this happens,” said Kevin Dugger.
He says that when they all evacuated their house in the middle of the night, the 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,” Dugger said, “To have a complete stranger, give us a gift card and just have friends and family who tell us that we are here for you was amazing and then for the red cross to come out in the middle of the night. “
The MN Red Cross helped set up the Duggers with the essentials: food, clothing and a place to stay temporarily.
“It’s the silver line in this regard, especially after we lost our animals, which were definitely part of our family,” Dugger said.
As the family mourns the loss of their pets, they are reminded of how much support this loss has endured.
“You will certainly find out what is important in life in these times,” Dugger said, “especially in 2020, to remind you that humanity still exists.”