With anniversary near, a fire killed their dog, destroyed their house

Palm Beach Post (FL)

Sept. 24--LAKE WORTH

Bryen Dennis left his two-story, four-bedroom home on in suburban Lake Worth Friday morning about 45 minutes before it was destroyed by a fire.

"We were going on a cruise for our seven-year anniversary," said Dennis of his wife, Kristina and their two daughters, Tori, 6 and Harper, 2. "Now we're staying at a friends place for a couple of weeks until we can get more permanent housing."

The fire caused extensive damage in the Smith Farm neighborhood and killed the family dog, Charlie, a 3-year-old boxer.

"That hurts more than anything," Dennis said.

Dennis' kids have no idea what happened.

"They don't know anything yet," he said.

Dennis said they have insurance.

"They've lost everything," Philomeno, 34, said. "At least they can buy clothes and underwear now. It's definitely been helping. They have to build from the bottom up and they're gonna need a lot of money to get it done."

Dennis can't believe the response.

"It's unbelievable, man," he said. "It's really been fantastic so far. The phone has been nonstop and it's truly been overwhelming."

Dennis and his family moved into the house three years ago in November. He said it will take at least a year to rebuild.

"I'd love to move back," he said. "Our neighbors are fantastic and it's a great area for the kids."

It's not easy for Dennis, 37, who works in sales. He's been taking a lot of phone calls.

"But I still have to so my job and take care of my family and deal with all of this and try to rebuild this place," he said. "It's a mess."

He even lost his new truck, a 2017 Chevy Silverado.

"I haven't even made a payment yet," he said.

The fire started at about 11:30 a.m., Palm Beach County Fire Rescue reported.

The first crews who arrived reported a home with heavy flames and smoke visible from the front, said Capt. Albert Borroto, spokesman for Fire Rescue.

There were no reports of injuries to people. The local chapter of the Red Cross was called to assist. The fire's cause remains under investigation.

Dennis just wants to thank everyone who has reached out.

"Everyone has been really overwhelming supportive -- family, friends and people I haven't talked to in 20 years," he said. "It's gonna be a long process. We just have walls there now. Nothing else."

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