Swords Creek resident loses everything in home fire

RUSSELL COUNTY, Va. — A Swords Creek, Virginia residence was gutted by fire Friday afternoon and some of the owner's pets were lost in the blaze.

Russell County Emergency Management director Jess Powers said firefighters from Honaker were dispatched to the home just before 12:30 p.m. The home is now considered a total loss and the owner was not home at the time, he said.

The owner's 2 pet birds were killed in the fire and their two dogs were able to escape although one of the canines suffered a injury. The American Red Cross is assisting the homeowner.