Community Comes Together To Support Family Of 9 That Lost Their Home In A Fire

An Oklahoma City family of nine, including seven daughters, is rebuilding after a fire on Monday.

It started shortly after 1 a.m. outside the home, caused by a heat lamp near where the family kept its pet bunnies.

"I ran around the back of the house, just looking for the fire, and as I came around the corner, I just realized the eaves were completely engulfed in flames," said Chad Christiansen, father of the family.

Everyone in the family got out safely, which Christiansen credits to working smoke alarms. But, the family's baby bunnies died in the fire. Firefighters were able to rescue and save the two adult bunnies.

"It was just actually shocking how quickly it happens," Christiansen said.

The fire eventually spread into the attic and collapsed part of the roof in the two rooms the family's daughters slept in. Most of the items that were lost belonged to the daughters.

A GoFundMe has raised more than $10,000 to support the family. Christiansen estimates it could take up to 10 months to fully rebuild, which will include stripping the house down to its studs.

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