An early morning fire claimed not only the home of one Mills River couple, but also their beloved pet as well.

A GoFundMe that was created in support explained that Mason and Lily Crofut’s home ignited in flames early Monday morning, Nov. 27, with their belongings and animals inside.

While they rushed to get all of their animals downstairs and out of the house, they lost their two-year-old beagle, Fred.

Mills River Fire Chief Rick Livingston said that they were dispatched to the fire at 12:07 a.m. on Monday morning. The home on Boylston Highway in Mills River was in flames upon arrival.

“My first arriving unit found heavy fire, it was a two story home and we found heavy fire coming from the first floor, also the second floor,” Chief Livingston said.

He added that they were able to rescue the couples’ two goats; one of the goats, Norman, neighbors said actually woke the couple up to the fire.

While both Mason and Lily did make it out of the home without serious injury, they did lose an important member of the family.

“Our hearts go out to them," Chief Livingston expressed. "You know that dog was obviously just like a member of their family."

He said that one of the owners did have some first-degree facial burns.

“He attempted to go back inside the residence I believe to attempt to rescue the dog,” he said.

Chief Livingston said that he had moderate burns but nothing serious.

The home, Livingston described is a large burn that has been converted into a home.

“The living area was on the upstairs of the second floor area of the structure, it’s destroyed for the most part,” he explained.

He said that there is also heavy water and smoke damage to the first floor as well.

“Our thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to them. It's something that in the fire service we hate to deal with, any loss of life, whether it’s pets or humans, either one,” the chief added.

He said that they have found what they believed to be the cause of the fire.

“It was a chimney fire which basically ignited the wall of the home,” he explained.

As the weather gets colder, Chief Livingston said that they typically see more structure fires from heating sources and that chimney fires are no exception.

He advised people to have their chimney inspected and cleaned by a certified chimney sweep.

Livingston also encouraged the community to help the Crofuts’ if they’re able.

“We’re closing in on the holiday time of the year, we just wanna help these folks all we can,” he expressed.

 

STORY & PHOTO COURTESY OF ABC 13 WLOSCommunity rallies to support Mills River couple who lost home and pet in tragic fire | WLOS