A local family lost all of their belongings and two beloved animals in a structure fire Saturday.

The mobile home at 6 Clover Trail, Stuart, was considered a total loss, according to Steve Allen, Patrick County Emergency Services Coordinator.

Firefighters began arriving on the scene shortly after 8 p.m. Saturday, Allen said. Crews from Woolwine, Fairystone and Patrick-Henry volunteer fire departments responded to the blaze. Patrick County Emergency Management also was on-scene, as was the Smith River Volunteer Rescue Squad and the Patrick County Sheriff’s Office.

The American Red Cross was called in to help the family of Sammy Turner, Allen said.

Turner, his wife and family members lived in the home, but they were out of town when the blaze started, Allen said. A neighbor saw the fire and alerted firefighters, he added.

Firefighters cleared the scene around midnight, Allen said.

The incident remains under investigation by the sheriff’s office.

The Turners are currently staying with family, according to a social media post.

“They lost all their belongings and lost two very special house cats due to the fire,” the post stated. “The only thing they have left is the clothes on their backs.”
The family is in need of clothing, the post continues.

Turner needs size 32-34 jeans, medium-sized shirts, and size 9 shoes; one female family members needs size 14 jeans, extra-large shirts, and size 11 shoes; another female needs size 12-14 jeans, extra-large shirts, and size 8 to 8 1/2 shoes, the post stated.

Donations are being collected at 278 Fish Pond Dr. Stuart, a family member’s home, according to the post. The contact number listed is (276) 930-1150. Calls to that number Tuesday were not answered.