YOUNGSVILLE, La (KLFY) – The Youngsville community is banding together to help one of their very own after Youngsville Fire Chief, Blair Rivette, lost his home to a fire early Monday morning.

“It was his dream house in the middle of Youngsville, so to watch it go up in flames and not being able to stop it was pretty hard,” said Youngsville Fire Captain, Austin Shotwell.

All that’s left of Chief Rivette’s home is charred remains.

“It’s hard to see because we’re a big family and he’s like a father figure to alot of us,” said Capt. Shotwell.

Capt. Shotwell was one of the firefighters who answered the fire call just before 3 a.m.

Chief Rivette and his family were asleep when the fire started. One of the kids got up to get a cup of water, noticed smoke, and woke everyone up. Thankfully, everyone escaped without injuries.

Capt. Shotwell says it just saddens him to see the chief lose everything to the very thing he helps protect the public from.

“He’s always the first person to give his shirt off his back for anybody that’s in need,” said Capt. Shotwell. “He helps out people whose houses burn down with furniture and clothes and stuff.”

We’re told that Chief Rivette has been in the fire service business for nearly 30 years and works at both the Youngsville and Chitimacha Fire Departments.

Capt. Shotwell says the outpouring of support from the community shows just how much they appreciate his hard work.

“It’s really special to see everybody come together for somebody that’s always been there for them,” said Capt. Shotwell.

Meanwhile, Capt. Shotwell says the fire department will continue to stand with their colleague during this tough time.

“We’ll keep our hands open ready to work or do whatever we need to do to help our fellow brother out,” said Capt. Shotwell.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

A GoFundMe has been setup If you would like to help the Rivette and his family get back on their feet.