A Freeland couple lost their home, family heirlooms and everything they owned in a fire this week, according to a GoFundMe set up by a family member.

South Whidbey Fire/EMS Assistant Chief Joseph Dilley said the blaze at a Weatherside Lane residence began as a garage fire that spread to the house around 12:30 a.m. on Oct 29. Fortunately, everyone made it out safely, including a geriatric cat named Mr. Kitty.

“We are unsure what the cause and origin of the fire was other than it started in the garage,” Dilley said.

He added that the home is not liveable since it suffered complete damage to the garage and fire damage in the kitchen. There is smoke damage throughout the rest of the house. Firefighters were on scene for about five hours.

Emily Switzer, a South Whidbey resident, set up a GoFundMe for the occupants of the home, her mother and her mother’s partner.

“This was not just a house; it was a multi-generational home that has been the center of our lives for decades,” Switzer wrote. “At first, it was the home of my grandmother, and later became a sanctuary for my mom.”

With the online campaign, Switzer hopes to raise enough money to help offset their immediate and practical needs during this time. Donations directly help with basic necessities, such as replacing essential clothing, shoes and toiletries. They will also fund the purchase of furniture, kitchenware and basic household items to make their temporary space liveable. In addition, it will bridge the gap between what insurance will eventually provide and what the couple needs right now.

As of Friday morning, the campaign had raised nearly $2,000.

To donate, search “Support Patrice and Brian’s Recovery from Devastating Fire” on gofundme.com.