UPDATE: Pet Cat Still Missing After New Lenox House Fire

Brian Richter stood outside his home with friends Tuesday afternoon and watched his home slowly burn to the ground. A heavy fire at about 1:30 a.m. destroyed the family's home, but everyone escaped without injuries.

The responded to a fire at 12920 Francis Road early Tuesday morning, and the home was still burning throughout the day. Heavy smoke poured out of the top of the home, and small flames surrounded the exterior.

"We're not sure how it started. Now I'm just waiting on this," said Brian, 22, motioning toward the house as the last bits of wood slowly crumbled.

New Lenox Fire Chief Jon Mead said the Fire Protection District arrived shortly after a 911 call because its Station No. 4 is located very close to the two-story residence. However, there were no fire hydrants nearby, which complicated rescue efforts.

"When we got there, about two-thirds of the house was fully engulfed," Mead said. "A good majority of it was destroyed. It's one of those unfortunate things."

Brian Richter was in the house with his girlfriend, his brother, Kevin, 25, and his mother, Sandy. They made it out safely along with a cat, McGee. Another cat, Remmy, has not been located and is believed to be lost in the fire.

Dan Flannery of the Will County Sheriff's Department was on call at the scene in case the remaining flames broke out any further.

"The roof caved into the second floor, then that floor caved into the basement," Flannery said.

New Lenox Fire District Investigator Adam Riegel said the cause of the fire is unknown, but that it likely began in the garage. Two cars in the garage were charred. Riegel said the family had insurance and working smoke detectors in the home, which helped alert the people inside.

"It's going to be tough to determine a cause because the place is just so torched," Fire District spokeswoman Erika Leader said.

Leader said the Fire District is accepting clothing donations for the family. The mother wears size 14 pants, an extra-large shirt and size 8.5 shoes; one son wears size 34 pants, a medium shirt and size 10 shoes; and the other son wears a size 36 pants, large shirt, and size 11 shoes.

To donate to the family, call the Fire District at 815-463-4500 or visit at 261 E. Maple St.