A family whose home was seriously damaged by fire on Brown Creek Road Saturday morning are currently staying at a Bonners Ferry motel thanks to the local Red Cross as they try to put their lives back together.

Gerald Lockman, his wife Teresa Norton, their five children and a family friend who's lived with them for years were all displaced by the fire, which was reported by a passer-by who noticed smoke coming from the home at 8:40 a.m. March 5. The family was away on a snowmobiling trip when the fire occurred.

According to South Boundary Fire Chief Tony Rohrwasser, firefighters were able to save some of the family's belongings that were downstairs, but nearly everything that was upstairs, including furniture and clothing, was destroyed.

Five dogs, including two newborn puppies, perished in the fire.

After an initial investigation, Rohrwasser said it appears to have been an accidental fire. The family, who were renting the home, had no insurance.

Those with furniture or household items they'd like to donate to the family can drop them off at the South Boundary Fire main station in Naples or call (208) 267-8052. An account to help the family has been set up at Potlatch Credit Union, 476999 Highway 95 in Ponderay, and you can call (208) 255-5493 to make donations.

Those who'd like to donate clothing can call Red Cross volunteer Emma Fields, (208) 267-6010, to learn sizes and what else the family might need.