A single-family home in rural Freeborn County, not far from the Mower County line, sustained heavy damages from a fire believed to be electrical in origin Friday evening.

The home, owned by Todd and Rochelle Igou, 90215 240th St. in rural Austin, was reportedly damaged from the flames, smoke and water used to extinguish the fire.

The Igous two sons, Kole, 12, and Kaiden, 10, were the only ones home at the time the fire started. The boys reported hearing a popping sound coming from the southwest corner of the residence.

Upon checking, they discovered small flames in the area, and after throwing snow on the flames, went to the neighbors to request help. The call for help was received at the Freeborn County Law Enforcement Center about 7:52 p.m. Friday. The boys and the family’s dogs all got out of the home safely. A pet hamster did not survive.

Fire departments from Hollandale, Geneva, Hayward and Blooming Prairie all responded to the call in Moscow Township, in addition to the Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office. The American Red Cross was contacted and provided emergency assistance to the Igou family.