A family of five was displaced after their Cooperstown home was destroyed in a fire early Sunday morning.
Josh and Darlene Barger’s 223 Factory St. home was ruled a total loss after a fire broke out at 4 a.m., according to Josh Barger’s aunt, Terri Scott.
The couple and their three daughters escaped the building, Scott said, but Darlene Barger was injured after she ran back into the house thinking one of their children was still inside.
The family’s two dogs, two cats, and two birds all died in the fire, Scott said.
Scott said the fire started from a pellet stove in an enclosed side porch at the 140-year-old house. The family didn’t have insurance on the property, Scott said.
Scott said any help is welcome for the family which is staying at the Sugarcreek home of their grandparents, Skip and Shirley Barger.
Scott said the Bargers’ children, Kylee, Sarah, and Kimmy, all attend Valley Grove School District.
Scott said anyone interested in helping can contact her at (814) 673-5913 or mail a check to 212 State St. in Oil City.
“Thanks for the community that has already helped…they have gotten a good response and people have already been so kind,” Scott said.
