BELLS, TX - A family of five in Bells loses their home to a devastating three alarm fire. Firefighters aren't sure how it started, but they are ruling the home as a total loss. Maddie Garrett has more.

Shane and Amber Pennell had to stand by helplessly as they watched their newly remodeled home burn to the ground today. Fortunately, no one was home when the fire started, and there were no injuries.

But the Pennells lost almost everything. They were able to save only a few pictures from the downstairs bedroom. The call came in around 11:30 this morning.

The Sherman Fire Department was first on the scene, then came Whitewright, Bells, Tom Bean and Howe to assist. Firefighters believe it originated in the attic. The main problem they faced was a shortage of water in the rural area with no hydrants.

Whitewright Assistant Fire Chief J.W. Bain says after a certain point the all-wood structure had to be ruled a total loss, and they went into defense mode to protect their barn and trees.

"It had a half floor on top and the roof started doing this, and that's when we pulled everybody out and went on defensive mode, because it's not a good idea to keep them in there when that roof starts doing that," Bain said.

The Pennells say they do have insurance and are just glad no one was hurt in the fire. Amber and Shane say they have family to stay with until they can rebuild their home.

The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation.