The cause of a fire that destroyed a house near Porthill early Saturday remains undetermined.

According to Hall Mountain Fire Volunteer Fire Association fire chief Brad Lowther, a volunteer fire fighter with Hall Mountain was awakened by dogs barking and discovered the home of a neighbor fully engulfed with flames. 

Hall Mountain Fire responded to the call that came into Boundary County dispatch at 5:16 a.m.

Gary Spade owner of the house lived there with his girlfriend but the couple was not home at the time of the fire, according to Lowther.

Lowther said after fire fighters fought the blaze for three hours nothing was salvagable and the house was completely destroyed.

It is not known if Spade had insurance.

Donations of clothing, bedding and furniture are being accepted for the couple who lost everything.

  For information call the Hall Mountain Volunteer  Fire Asscociation at 267-7535, or Pat Degler of Hall Mountain Fire auxillary at 267-8681.