ATHOL - The cause of a fire that caused heavy damage to an Athol home last weekend remains under investigation.

"At this time, there's nothing suspicious, but we're still gathering information," said Jim Lyon, spokesman for the Timberlake Fire Protection District.

The fire reported at 10 p.m. last Saturday gutted the living room of the two-story structure at 28789 Highway 95.

Corey and Jessie Luna Scott, along with an 11-year-old son, live at the residence. No one was injured, but a cat died. Two dogs and two lizards were safely removed from the home.

Corey Scott reported smoke and that their house was on fire.

Northern Lakes and Timberlake fire departments responded, arriving at 10:19 p.m. to find heavy smoke and flames coming from a house addition that contained a living/entertainment room. That portion of the residence was gutted, Lyon said.

"The fire was contained to the (living room) addition with some smoke damage in the sleeping quarters above the garage," Lyon said. "Smoke entered through an entry hole that was used by cats to go back and forth between the sleeping and living room areas."

Lyon said the occupants were leasing the home and planned to purchase it according to the occupants.

The estimated content damage was $5,000 and the structure damage $20,000. The Scotts have renter's insurance.

The family was offered American Red Cross services, but declined as arrangements to stay with friends was made.

Firefighter unions from Timberlake and Northern Lakes assisted the family through benevolent funds for fire victims in need. The groups raised the funds from various fundraisers.