• Fire destroyed the home of Shad and Darcy Albrecht early Saturday afternoon. The couple was home with their son, Jeric, when the fire started. It is unknown at this time what caused the fire.
• The fire started about 12:45 while the family was outside doing

chores. The family home and everything inside was a complete loss.
• "They lost everything," Columbia Fire Chief Cory Mitchell said. "All they have are the shirts on their back."
• According to Mitchell it took firefighters about four hours to extinguish the blaze due to the winds.
• "The blowing winds caused the fire to spread rapidly," Mitchell said.
• No other buildings were damaged and no injuries were reported.
• The icy road conditions made it hard for the firefighters to reach the home.
• Firefighters from Columbia, Claremont and both the Groton and Bath fire stations responded to the call. Brown County Emergency Management and the Brown County Sheriff's office also provided assistance.
• According family members, the family is staying with relatives for now.

•  - Char Telkamp