LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) – An electrical short in an extension cord sparked a fire at a house in Lafayette early this afternoon.

Firefighters responded to the scene in the 1000 block of South Orange Street around 12:07 p.m. and saw heavy smoke coming from the single-family home.

Lafayette Fire Department spokesperson Alton Trahan said crews “were met by heavy flames” when they entered the living room.

Crews extinguished the fire within 20 minutes.

Trahan said the extension cord was connected to a space heater that was left on by the couple that lives at home.

The couple was not home at the time of the fire.

The fire department has ruled the fire accidental.

Sharpetra Smith, the occupant’s sister, says many items that were lost can be replaced, but some things money can’t buy.

“We’ll never be able to replace their memories. They just got married so the wedding pictures and memories of her children.”

Smith’s sister walked out of her home for the last time Monday with a trash bag of clothes. Clinging to the things that matter most.

“All her children are alive, she is alive, her husband is alive that’s the most important thing,” said Smith.

If you would like to help the family contact the Lafayette Fire Department.