PHILLIPS — The cause of a fire that destroyed a home at 80 Dodge Road on Wednesday evening is still under investigation.

The home belongs to Stephen Roy Sr., Phillips Fire Chief James Gould said Thursday. Roy and his wife made it out of the home. Four cats and two dogs perished in the fire.

Their adult son, Stephen Roy II, also lived there. He is a member of the Fire Department and was helping at an accident scene in Avon when the 6:20 p.m. call came in, Gould said.

Firefighters left the accident to respond, he said. 

“Roy went in on the initial attack to put his own home (fire) out,” Gould said. “We released him shortly after to be with his family.”

When firefighters arrived, the second floor was fully engulfed in flames, he said.

The fire started on the second floor in a back bedroom, and the first floor received smoke and water damage, he said.

Several items from the first floor, an attached ell and barn were saved, he said.

“Without the quick response of mutual aid, it wouldn’t have been possible,” Gould said of the items saved. “They showed up quickly to help us get a good water supply and make a great attack on the inside.”

Salem, Strong and Kingfield fire departments responded. Their help prevented the fire from reaching the barn and ell, he said.

The initial knockdown was quick, Gould said, but the fire went into the roof and was difficult to put out. Crews were there till almost midnight.

The Red Cross was called in shortly after firefighters realized the home could not be saved, he said. They are working with the family. The house is not insured.

All of the son’s belonging’s were on the second floor and were destroyed, Gould said.

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