Multiple pets died in a residential home fire in Winfield Township where crews battled the cold and snow late Sunday night, Feb. 8.

A fire call was dispatched at 11:24 p.m. to the 500 block of Bicker Road. A second alarm was called within 15 minutes of the initial dispatch.

Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Company Chief Matt Cypher said the side and rear of the ranch-style home were already fully engulfed in flames when crews arrived.

“The weather was a major factor,” Cypher said Monday after crews were on scene for four and a half hours the previous night.

According to a GoFundMe page set up by a member of the family of four, Jade Nesbitt, the home was a total loss.

Cypher said the family had pets such as dogs, cats and turtles all over the property. According to the GoFundMe page four pets were lost.

Authorities believe heat lamps the family had for the pets could have caused the fire as they were centered in the area where most of the damage occurred.

The home is a total loss, Cypher said.

Those interested in donating to the family can visit www.gofundme.com and search “Rebuilding After Losing Our Home and Pets.” As of Monday evening, the page had raised more than $1,500 toward a $2,600 goal.

Responding companies included the Buffalo Township, Herman, Sarver and Saxonburg volunteer fire companies; Saxonburg EMS; South Buffalo Township and Worthington-West Franklin volunteer fire departments; Harrison Hills Volunteer Fire Company; and Summit and Kittanning 6 hose companies.