The father and husband in the family whose home was damaged by fire Thursday morning said Friday he is grateful for the support his family has received since the incident.

“Lots of people have called and offered a lot of stuff, and for that we’re thankful,” said Bob Vanpelt.

Vanpelt said his wife, Jodi, discovered the fire when she came home Thursday morning with their children. Their home is at 18067 860th Ave., Austin.

The Myrtle, Glenville and Hayward fire departments responded, and the Albert Lea Fire Investigation Team was later called in to investigate. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined.

Vanpelt said his wife, who had to be taken to a nearby hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation, has been released and is slowly improving.

Though not much exterior damage is visible from the house, he said there is extensive smoke and heat damage inside the home. The fire was contained to the older part of the house, but there was smoke damage throughout the house.

Damage estimates have not yet been determined, but he expected his insurance agent in the next few days.

The father and husband in the family whose home was damaged by fire Thursday morning said Friday he is grateful for the support his family has received since the incident.

He said he’s also been in contact with the Freeborn County chapter of the American Red Cross.

The fire is not considered suspicious in nature at this time, according to a Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office release.