FORKLAND &8212; The home of long time area resident Diane Acker Alich was severely damaged by a house fire on Wednesday.

At the time of the fire, Alich and Miller were in Tuscaloosa attending a doctor&8217;s appointment. Ed Garrison, a family friend, was walking by the home, located off Greene County Road 19, when he saw smoke coming from Alich&8217;s trailer, Miller said. Garrison knocked on the door to see if anyone was home, and ran next door to neighbor Charlotte Criswell&8217;s home, where they dialed 911.

Before Forkland Volunteer Fire Department responded to the fire, Garrison reportedly heard Alich&8217;s dog, a seven-year-old Boston terrier named Buddy, barking inside. After repeated efforts, Garrison was unable to lure him outside and Buddy perished in the fire. There were no other injuries associated with the fire.

The trailer, which Alich has only been living in for the last six months, sustained severe damage.

Several hours after the fire, the roof continued to smoke. Fortunately, family members were able to put out the smoke with a garden hose, Miller said.

Miller and Alich received the call about the fire, but did not immediately return home because they were at the doctor&8217;s to hear about radiation treatments for Alich, who was recently diagnosed with lung cancer.

According to Miller, Alich has family nearby to provide temporary housing. All of Alich&8217;s personal belongings, however, especially clothing, were destroyed. The family is still waiting to hear from the insurance company, Miller said.

Alich also recently lost her husband in January due to illness.

A fund to benefit Alich has been set up at Robertson Bank under the name of Heather Miller; anyone wanting to assist can visit Robertson Bank to learn more. Donations, such as clothing in women&8217;s size 2X, can be dropped off at The Demopolis Times office on 315 Jefferson St.