ASHFORD, Conn. -- A two-alarm fire destroyed an Ashford family's home Monday afternoon.

Channel 3 Eyewitness News reporter Diana Rocco reported that the fire erupted around 3 p.m. at the Union Drive home and smoke continued to rise from the home at 7:30 p.m.

Fire Leaves Family Homeless

"The house was fully engulfed at the time. ... We did a quick search for the people in the home, but they had already gotten out," said Wayne Fletcher of the Ashford Fire Department.

Rocco reported that although some of the family's pets may have been lost in the blaze, none of the five people who live in the house were home at the time of the fire.

Neighbors told Eyewitness News that the home is owned by Peggy James and her three children, who are ages 9, 13 and 15. According to neighbors, the woman does not have homeowner's insurance and was recently widowed when her husband died of cancer.

"They've had a tough medical event. It's been a tough year," Fletcher said.

James told Eyewitness News that her late husband's ashes were in the living room at the time of the fire.

The American Red Cross said it will provide assistance to the family.

Anyone who would like to send donations to the family can send them by calling the Ashford First Selectman's Office by dialing 860-487-4400.

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