BRATTLEBORO, VT (MyKeeneNow) A home on Akley Road was destroyed by fire Tuesday evening after flames rapidly spread through the structure, prompting a large multi-agency response, officials said.

The Brattleboro Fire Department was dispatched to the residence at 346 Akley Road shortly before 7 p.m. on Jan. 7. Firefighters arriving on Engine 1 found the building fully engulfed and immediately called for a second alarm, according to information provided by the department.

No one was inside the home at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported. A family cat that was initially believed to be trapped inside was later located safely outside the residence.

Fire officials determined the blaze originated from a woodstove, with the fire likely starting in the chimney. The home sustained extensive damage and was declared a total loss, the department said.

Because the property is located in an area without fire hydrants, crews were required to draft water from a nearby stream. Fire officials said this strategy helped limit disruptions to the surrounding water supply. The fire was brought under control at approximately 8:56 p.m., and crews remained on scene for several more hours before clearing at 11:23 p.m.

The Brattleboro Fire Department credited a wide range of regional partners for their assistance, including fire departments from Keene, Hinsdale, Dummerston, Guilford, Chesterfield, Newbrook, Greenfield, Westminster and Vernon, along with Cheshire County EMS, Brattleboro Police Department, Brattleboro Department of Public Works, Green Mountain Power and the Brattleboro Dispatch Center.

All information in this report was provided by the Brattleboro Fire Department.