A house fire caused by a suspected lightning strike destroyed the home of Kevin and Sarah Kittleson in Velva early Sunday morning, according to Velva Rural Fire Department Capt. Mike Heisler.

The Kittlesons and their two children were alerted by a smoke alarm and were able to escape the home.

Heisler said the fire department was called to the home in the Krumweide Addition of Velva at 2:19 a.m. Sunday. It took several hours to put out the fire. Firefighters were called back to the scene on Sunday afternoon to put out the remnants.

Heisler said the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

The community is rallying around the Kittlesons to help with fundraisers and donations.

Finishline Burgers and Brew LLC gathered donations.

– Andrea Johnson