From staff reports

LEWISTOWN — A Mifflin County family is receiving community support after losing its home, a business and several pets in a fire Sunday night in Derry Township.

According to the City Hook & Ladder No. 14, crews were called shortly before 9 p.m. to assist with a house fire along Mifflin Avenue.

Firefighters remained on scene for about three hours battling the blaze.

Family members escaped safely, but the fire claimed the lives of a dog and a cat, according to information shared through a fundraising campaign established for the family.

The fire also destroyed a dog grooming business operated from the property.

A GoFundMe campaign created to assist the family said the household includes two children and that the family lost nearly everything in the fire. Donations are intended to help cover clothing, necessities and rebuilding expenses.

By Wednesday evening, the fundraiser had surpassed $9,200.

The family also received assistance from Keystone Dumpster Rental, which waived the fee for a dumpster delivered to help with cleanup efforts.

The cause of the fire was not immediately available.