While the home couldn't be saved, firefighters were able to stop a house fire from spreading into a wildfire Monday evening.
The Lumby Fire Department was called to the structure fire in the 10,000 block of Mabel Lake Rad around 6:45 p.m. Aug. 12.
Fire chief Tony Clayton said there were "extensive flames showing upon arrival," and additional support was needed.
"We called in Lavington and BX for water tenders because we had to shuttle water from town," said Clayton of the rural area.
Surrounded by dry hay fields, a crew also patrolled the area for hot spots as winds picked up and sparks lit up nearby bushes.
"Big shout out to our amazing fire department," said Lumby mayor Kevin Acton. "Chief Clayton and his team were quick to respond to a local fire and despite windy conditions and nearby wooded areas getting caught up in a blaze they managed to get it under control and save us from a potential wildfire."
Renters were able to escape the home safely but there were several cats unaccounted for.
The cause is not suspicious.
Occupant Melody Ramsey said three of the cats have been found, burned, but alive and recovering.
She is amazed at the support from community members, as people have offered items, such as Lego for one of the kids who had a collection.
"The pain of irreplaceable items is starting to set in but we will get through it," she said, adding a Gofundme is in the works.
