Kids 'Devastated' Over Pet Deaths In Western Springs Fire

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL – A fire this week in Western Springs left a house uninhabitable, but a renovation is planned, its owner said Friday.

Kara and Michael Ferrell own the house in the 200 block of Rugeley Road that was damaged in a fire Wednesday evening. Kara Ferrell said they were away for about 80 minutes when the fire happened.

In a text message to Patch, Kara Ferrell said the house sustained much fire and smoke damage.

"We will eventually get back into our home. It will be 9-plus months," Ferrell said. "Our community and friends have been incredible. It's overwhelming."

She said they have family in the area taking care of them.

"Lots of family. Blessed in that regard," she said.

In the fire, the family's dog, "Scout," and bunny, "Oats," perished.

"My kids are devastated about the loss of their 12-year-old dog and my youngest daughter's bunny," Ferrell said. "We are lucky it didn't destroy our entire house and no one was injured or worse."

The Western Springs Fire Department said it is investigating the fire's cause.