MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – A fire destroyed a Middletown-area home on Tuesday evening.

The fire was reported at a home on Dry Creek Road near Highway 29 at about 5:45 p.m., according to radio reports.

Neighbors and friends identified the homeowners as Joe and Clarine Lewkowitz.

A large column of black smoke and flames shooting 40 to 50 feet in the air were seen by neighbors as helicopters and ground units fought the blaze.

The fire was reportedly contained at approximately 6:43 p.m., according to radio traffic. Resources were committed for several more hours for mop up.

The fire's cause and details about the firefighting effort weren't immediately available Tuesday night.

The Lewkowitz family reportedly lost their dog and all of their belongings to the fire, according to their friends.

Community members discussing the fire on Lake County News' Facebook page Tuesday evening were rallying to offer help and support to the couple, known for their generosity and community involvement. Red Cross was reported to be meeting with them on Wednesday to give them assistance.

Follow Lake County News on Twitter at http://twitter.com/LakeCoNews, on Tumblr at www.lakeconews.tumblr.com, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lake-County-News/143156775604?ref=mf and on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/LakeCoNews .