Updated: Family Left Homeless From Saturday Fire; How to Donate

On Saturday night, a family of five living on Midway Drive in Bethel lost their home to a fire that is still under investigation.

As of Monday morning, Fire Marshal Tom Galliford said: "The house fire on Saturday evening remains under investigation by the Bethel Fire Marshal’s Office. The Connecticut State Police, Office of State Fire Marshal, who provide assistance in large fire losses to local towns, are assisting in the investigation as well."

"The fire appears to have started in a front bedroom of the home and traveled very quickly through the home, destroying all of the contents," he added. "The fire department was faced with flames venting from several windows and the front door upon their arrival and made an aggressive attack to prevent further damage and protect the exposures on either side." 

Fire personnel were also able to find and rescue two small pet turtles from the home.

According to a News-Times article, no injuries were reported and all members of the family, including their pets, were able to escape. 

The family has three children, all girls, ages 9, 12 and 15, the Bethel Bulletin posted on its Facebook page. Some of the items being asked for are gift cards, money, linens and school supplies.

Donations can be dropped off at 32 Midway Drive or at .

Galliford is reminding residents of these safety tips.

• It is important to understand how fast and destructive fires can be. The best tool to alert residents are smoke detectors. 
• Have a meeting place with your family once you leave the house so that everyone can be accounted for quickly.  
• Do not delay in calling 911.
• Do not try to put the fire out yourself - fires double in size every minute.