A fire early Monday has left a Russellville family without a home.
Russellville Fire Department Assistant Chief Chris Cinotto said firefighters were called around 2:30 a.m. to respond to a two-story structure fire at 9008 Gully Road. Because of adverse weather conditions, Cinotto said firefighters had difficulty reaching the residence, resulting in a complete loss of the structure.
When firefighters arrived on the scene, all occupants had safely made it out, Cinotto said. The family, two women and five children who were renting the residence, were escorted from the scene by Cole County sheriff's deputies.
The cause of the fire is still unknown, Cinotto said, and may not be able to be determined unless there is evidence of an accelerant. While an official determination has not yet been made, the department suspects the fire originated on the first floor, near the front of the residence.
The Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross has been contacted in an effort to help the residents of the home. Beth Bauer, regional CEO with the chapter, said the family has been put up in a hotel for the time being.
Bauer said that while donations to help are welcome, they cannot be directed specifically to the family affected by Monday morning's fire.
"What we do is, the money that is donated is put right back in for the next fire," Bauer said.