Firefighters work to put out a raging blaze that destroyed a home near the Bourbon-Vernon County line on Friday. --Justin Messner/Herald-Tribune

Fort Scott, Kan. -- At approximately 2 p.m., Friday, Scott Township Fire District No. 5 requested mutual aid from five area fire departments to assist in extinguishing a blaze which leveled the home of Daniel Young approximately one-fourth mile west of the Vernon-Bourbon County line, on 265th St.

Despite the efforts of 20 firefighters, Young's home was a total loss. Martha Loyd -- along with two children, ages 1 and 3 -- was inside the home napping when the blaze erupted, according to her statement to fire investigators. Loyd said she was awakened by the 3-year-old's screaming and found the home engulfed in flames. All three were able to escape the home uninjured through a rear window of the house.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation and Scott Township District No. 5 Fire Chief Jackie Messer said he is unsure if a cause will be determined due to the extent of the damages.

"We're still looking at it. We know there was some fireworks in the house. The fireworks might be involved," he said. "We also know there was wiring done in the house recently so that could have something to do with it. We are still looking at it. It's still under investigation."

The home was estimated in value by Messer at about $65,000 including it's contents.

Also lost in the fire were two Chihuahuas, though two others were saved by fire crews.

The Red Cross has supplied a hotel room for the weekend as temporary housing for those displaced by the fire.