The Star - News, views and advertising of the Grand Coulee Dam Area

A home was lost Friday night when a fire started while no one was there.

Grand Coulee Fire Chief Ryan Fish said those who lived in the house in Coulee Dam had been down the street when it started to burn.

The fire at the home of Shayla and Shawn Deckwa apparently started about 8:30 p.m., Friday, April 10.

At least four fire departments were on scene at 1103 Camas Street with equipment and firefighters, dousing the flames on a windy night and spraying down the siding on neighboring houses to keep them cool as neighbors watched from a sidewalk across the street.

Shayla Deckwa's aunt, Kimberly Eaton, organized an online fundraiser for the family with two small children.

It's on the gofundme.com website for the family, who lost everything in fire, including Karma, the family dog.

As of Tuesday everning, the site had garnered some $8,025 in contributions from 91 donors.

"Over the last couple days, I have been trying to find the words to thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts for all of the love, encouraging words and support in so many ways that people have shown us," states a post on the site signed "Shayla and family," expressing gratitude to "amazing neighbors" and "everyone else that showed up to help without question."