WELLS — Several pets died in a fire that destroyed a home at 1280 Sanford Road in Wells on Tuesday.

Wells Fire Captain Jeff Nawfel said a neighbor called in the report of a fire around 11 a.m. Tuesday at the single-story ranch home.

The fire was well underway when firefighters arrived on the scene, and local firefighters received assistance from Sanford, Ogunquit, Kennebunk, North Berwick and South Berwick.

The house is considered a total loss, said Nawfel, and the seven people who live at the home have been displaced.

No one was home at the time of the fire, but family pets including two dogs, a bird, an iguana and a rabbit died, said Nawfel.

The origin of the fire was in the area of a heating lamp used for the iguana, said Nawfel. The fire is deemed accidental, but it is unclear if the cause was because of an electrical fault or combustibles placed too close to the lamp, said Nawfel.

The state fire marshal’s office assisted in the investigation, said Nawfel.

The Wells High School Interact club has organized a donation drive for the family members, which includes four children, who lost their home. Personal hygiene items, clothing and gift cards can be dropped off at the school from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

An online fundraising campaign has been created by a family member at gofundme.com. As of Wednesday night, the effort had reached about half of the $10,000 goal.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325, or [email protected].