Several units from the Frenchtown Fire Department responded to a late-night house fire in Alberton. The home was located at 420 Railroad Ave., across the street from the Alberton Community Church.

The fire broke out at approximately 8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 3 and was primarily in the attic of the home. Crews battled the blaze until late into the evening.

Suzanne Turner and her three daughters had been staying at the River Edge Resort in Alberton and were not home when the fire started. They had been staying at the resort because of a previous chimney fire which occurred on Dec. 26, 2018. After the incident, the home was inspected and the electrical system was deemed safe. They had left their ferrets and cat in the home. The ferrets all died in the fire, and the cat was reported missing.

The family has been plagued with recent home-related problem with a flooded basement at Thanksgiving due to broken pipes. The house belongs to Turner’s parents and had recently been refurbished with new electrical, plumbing and other home improvements.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.