A Campbell County man was hospitalized with burns to his upper extremities suffered while trying to rescue pets from an inferno that burned the family’s home to the ground.
While all three adults inside the home at the time the fire broke out a little before 2:45 p.m. Saturday escaped, Perry Bennett suffered burns to his arms while attempting to rescue the pets, according to the Campbell County Fire Department and a GoFundMe campaign started by a family member.
“The Bennett family has tragically lost their home, their childhood memories, all of their belongings, and their beloved pets in a house fire that burned their home to the ground,” Kylie Terrell says in the online campaign she started to benefit her family members.
“In a matter of moments, the place filled with years of love, laughter, memories, and milestones was gone,” she continues. “They didn’t just lose a house, they lost the home that held so much of their family’s story.”
By the time Campbell County Fire Department crews arrived at the scene on Patrick Henry Road southeast of Gillette city limits, they found “a single-family residence fully involved in fire,” the agency reports.
“Unfortunately, one adult male sustained burn injuries to his upper extremities while attempting to rescue the family’s pets,” according to the fire department report. “One dog and one cat died in the fire.”
The home is a “total loss,” the report says, and the three people living there have been displaced.
What caused the fire is still under investigation, the report says.
A Campbell County man was hospitalized with burns to his arms suffered while trying to rescue pets from an inferno that burned the family’s home to the ground Saturday. (Campbell County Fire Department) 
A Campbell County man was hospitalized with burns to his arms suffered while trying to rescue pets from an inferno that burned the family’s home to the ground Saturday. (Campbell County Fire Department) 
A Campbell County man was hospitalized with burns to his arms suffered while trying to rescue pets from an inferno that burned the family’s home to the ground Saturday. (Campbell County Fire Department) 
A Campbell County man was hospitalized with burns to his arms suffered while trying to rescue pets from an inferno that burned the family’s home to the ground Saturday. (Campbell County Fire Department) 
A Campbell County man was hospitalized with burns to his arms suffered while trying to rescue pets from an inferno that burned the family’s home to the ground Saturday. (Campbell County Fire Department)
‘They Have Always Been There For Others’
Bennett was being treated at a hospital at the time the GoFundMe was posted, Terrell wrote.
“We are asking everyone to please keep Perry in your thoughts and prayers as he receives medical attention,” she wrote. “Our family is praying for his healing, strength, and recovery during this incredibly difficult time.”
She goes on to say that the Bennetts are known around Campbell County and Gillette as people “who show up for others, lend a helping hand without hesitation, and give so much of themselves to the people around them.
“They have always been there for others, and now, in their time of unimaginable need, we want to be there for them.”
As of Sunday afternoon, the campaign had raised $3,430 from 35 donations.
While devastated, the family also feels thankful the other people in the house at the time weren’t hurt, she added.
“No family should ever have to experience this kind of loss, and no amount of money can replace the memories, the sentimental belongings, or the precious (animal) lives lost in this tragedy,” Terrell wrote.
Greg Johnson can be reached at greg@cowboystatedaily.com.
