Family seeks help after devastating Smiths Station house fire kills pets, destroys home
A house fire in the Smiths Station area of Lee County caused major damage Sunday afternoon, leaving a family in need of donations after much of their home and belongings were destroyed.
The fire happened at a residence on the corner of Lee Road 941 (Oakview Circle) and Lee Road 769 (Cedar Drive). Smiths Station Fire and Rescue was dispatched to the scene around 3:12 P.M. eastern time on Sunday, April 11, 2026.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office, officials with Phenix City Fire and Rescue, Salem Volunteer Fire Department, and the Lee County Emergency Management Agency also responded to the scene.
Witnesses reported heavy smoke and flames coming from the back of the residence.
Image: Viewer
According to Brittany Lanning, the daughter of the homeowners, no one was home at the time of the fire. She said the family was out on Lake Harding when they received missed calls from their Vivint security system regarding smoke alarms. A neighbor also reportedly contacted the fire department after seeing smoke coming from a window.
“The whole back side of the house is gone,” she said. “Their bedroom and living room and kitchen. I think most of their stuff is gone. All of their clothes and medicine.”
Smiths Station Fire Chief Blake Green said the home was a total loss and American Red Cross was responding.
The family also shared that two dogs and two monkeys died in the fire.
The homeowners are now requesting community support. Donations of hygiene products, toiletries, and clothing are being accepted at 254 Lee Road 467. Needed clothing sizes include men’s 2X shirts, size 36 pants, and women’s small/medium clothes.
Donations can also be sent through Cash App to $AudreyLGray.
The investigation into what caused the fire remains ongoing.
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