A fire late Sunday morning destroyed the home of an Alaska Township family.
The home located at 27290 Pleasant Valley Rd. N.W. was evacuated before the Alaska Volunteer Fire Department arrived, according to Chief Mark Parrott who said they received the call around 11:30 a.m.
Homeowner Jeri Brein, 26, sustained a deep cut on her arm while escaping the blaze and was transferred from North Country Regional Hospital in Bemidji to St. Paul Regional Hospital where she was treated and released. Her husband, Andrew Brein, 24, escaped along with six children. They were treated for minor injuries and released.
One of the young boys may have started the blaze while playing in a bedroom with a lighter, according to a report from the Beltrami County Sheriff's Department.
"The house is a total loss," Parrott said. "They did lose everything."
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A benefit is being organized for the family and is scheduled 4 p.m. March 10 at the American Legion in Bagley, according to benefit organizer and Jeri Brein's sister Randi Chandler.
Mittens and winter clothes are needed for the family's five boys who range in age from age 2 years old to 5. Anyone interested in donating can contact Chandler at (218) 243-2310.
