RUMFORD – Karen and Roger Fleury lost everything when a fire hit their home and several others in the Virginia section of town this past summer.

Now, things are beginning to look up.

First, their cat, 13-year-old Napoleon, who disappeared during the chaos of the blaze, turned up a few weeks ago.

The Fleurys figured he was gone for good, and adopted two kittens, Nicholas and Savanah. Now the cats and the couple live in an apartment supplied by their insurance company on Franklin Street.

The contractor building their 1,260-square-foot ranch-style home said the house should be ready for occupancy by the end of November.

“We’re really excited about the new house,” Karen said.

However, she’s still sad about the loss of some items that can’t be replaced – her daughter’s ring and family photos in particular.

“The person who started the fire took that away from us,” Karen said.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office continues to investigate the July 8 fire that destroyed the Fleurys’ home, and homes and buildings owned by Steve Austin and John Edwards. Several nearby properties also were damaged.

Investigators determined that the fire was started in a vacant Virgin Street building owned by Betsy Williams. Flames moved through about five buildings to Prospect Avenue, causing an estimated loss of about $500,000.

The fire is believed to have been intentionally set, fire investigator Chris Stanford said in September.

At that time, he said investigators were interviewing nearby residents and expected to continue doing so for some time.

Fire Chief John Woulfe said as of this past weekend, no arrests had been made.

Rick Kent, the town’s code enforcement officer, said no other building permits have been filed to rebuild on the property between Prospect Avenue and Virgin Street.

The small house that the Fleurys had been living in was a gift to each other in honor of their second wedding anniversary. They had been remodeling and had added a new kitchen.

Their new house will have twice the space as the old one and be handicap-accessible, which will make living there easier since both are disabled.

In the spring, Karen wants to hold a family gathering. Before that, their friend, Tammy Arthur, plans to throw a “welcome home” party.

“I’m so excited about moving back,” Karen said.