According to Garland V.F.D. Chief Brian Bull, firefighters first arrived at 3:17 a.m to a fully involved house fire at 103 Depot Street in Spring Creek.

That address is that of Denny and Sherrie Hodak, longtime members of the Garland V.F.D. Sherrie has served as an EMT, and Denny has been a member for more than 40 years and also served as chief for many years. Both remain active members.

Their son, Kris Hodak, is the current assistant fire chief in Garland..

Chief Bull said that this call was “especially tough” due to the fact that the Hodak family is such a big part of the V.F.D. family.

Facebook photo Six fire departments arrived on the scene of a fully involved house fire at 3:17 a.m. Saturday morning. The home in question belongs to longtime members of the Garland V.F.D. Denny and Sherrie Hodak. Although no serious injuries were reported the structure fire was a total loss.

“Family is family, “ he said.

Although flames had fully engulfed the home by the time help arrived, “nobody gave up,” according to Bull.

In addition to Garland, companies from Youngsville, Spring Creek, Grand Valley, Wrightsville, and Corry battled the blaze well into the morning. The scene was cleared by 9:30 a.m. Saturday, but the home was deemed a total loss.

The occupants were able to escape through a second floor window on to a porch roof. There were no serious injuries, according to Bull.

“We have already had an outpouring of people reaching out” to help the Hodaks as they begin the process of recovering from the loss of their home and possessions, Bull said.

Anyone interested in donating to that effort can drop stuff off at the Garland fire hall, which according to Chief Bull is the “main collection area.” Donations, including gift cards, money or food, can also be brought to Brokenstraw Beverage in Youngsville.

“They have some clothes,” according to a family member.

As of press time Sunday evening, the cause of the fire remains undetermined, according to Bull.