BERNE — A fire Saturday night completely destroyed a home in Berne, leaving the couple that lived there homeless and with one less pet.

A spontaneous fundraising campaign is underway.

East Berne Fire Chief Scott Duncan said that the homeowner was in his barn at 897 Switzkill Rd. when he saw smoke and dialed 9-1-1 just before 5 p.m. Albany County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy William Rice said the man had been tending to his cattle, and his wife was out of the house.

The Westerlo Volunteer Fire Company, the East Berne Volunteer Fire Company, and the Berne Volunteer Fire Company responded to the call in eight or nine minutes, and the fire was knocked down in 20 minutes, Duncan said. The fire companies then went into “overhaul mode” but had to be cautious as they awaited investigators from the sheriff’s office.

When the sheriff’s office arrived on scene, Rice said the fire was fully involved. He added that the fire was caused by a pellet-burning stove.

Duncan said the fire company was not sure of the cause of fire but said it probably had started in the dining room before it spread to the rest of the house.

“The house was already half destroyed,” said Duncan, before the couple tore down their home. The couple, who did not have insurance on their home, hope to rebuild it, he added. Although no person was in the house during the fire, the couple’s four dogs were, one of which was killed.

Duncan said that the use of pellet and wood stoves, as well as space heaters, contribute to the increased number of fires the companies attend to in the colder months.

“They definitely increase this time of year,” he said. He added that the improvements in the design of Christmas lights alleviates some risk.

“We don’t see as many electrical fires,” he said.

The address on the county assessment rolls is listed under Jamie and Carol Rapp, and has a full market value of $76,563 and a taxable value of $49,000.

A post about the fire on the Facebook page “The Happenings in the Town of Berne” led to many contacting the page’s moderator, Bill Keal, who coordinated efforts between Berne-Knox-Westerlo Transportation Director Amy Santandrea and Berne Volunteer Fire Company Public Information Officer Mary Alice Molgard. One of the homeowners, Carol Rapp, is an employee with the BKW transportation department.

Molgard is collecting larger donations and is available to meet those interested at their homes to pick up cash or checks. She may be reached at (518) 728-5296. Santandrea is also collecting donations. She may be reached at (518) 872-1126. Checks may be made out to Carol Rapp and may also be sent to 897 Switzkill Rd., Berne, NY 12023.