WELLSTON, Okla. (KOKH) — Four dogs are dead after a fire that prompted evacuations in Wellston. A family home of 17 years is also a complete loss.
The Wellston Fire Department tells Fox 25 this happened around 12:45 Friday afternoon. They’re still investigating find out how it happened.
“At the time it was dispatched, the information was that the structure was fully engulfed already,” Fire Chief Todd Beesley said. “With the conditions outside today, it rapidly spread into a grass fire. Firefighters were able to contain both the grass fire and the structure fire within just a few hours.”
The Lively family says they don’t know how the fire started either.
“We know there weren’t any heaters,” Isaac Lively said. “The fireplace wasn’t on, so not really sure what started the fire. But, it’s a total loss. Everything’s gone. Seeing the cloud of smoke the whole way here. Knowing that was everything we had was definitely devastating.”
The place Lively called home for nearly two decades is gone.
“My kids grew up here. They spent their whole life in this house.”
His family survived the fire, but their dogs’ Rocky, Bella, Milo and Ellie died. Lively says they were around four to eight years old.
“It’s like losing a kid. It’s the only way I can describe it. So far we’ve only been able to recover one, and get it put in the ground.”
He adds they didn’t have insurance.
“We’re going to have to find somewhere to go. As devastating as it is, I don’t know what our next step will be as of yet. It’s definitely going to be a hard road.”
The American Red Cross of Oklahoma has already been offering their assistance.
“I’m grateful for anybody’s help. It’s awesome that they made it out here so fast, and are willing to help out with anything they can.”
Lively says they’re staying with family tonight.
The family launched a GoFundMe page, and they’re hoping to raise $50,000.
“Anything helps. We’re taking care of our two grandchildren, and they’ve lost everything. Anything can help at this moment.”
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