FARMINGTON – A mobile home was destroyed by fire late Sunday afternoon during the winter’s first major snowstorm, said fire Chief Terry Bell.

Fire crews were called to the home of Harold and Ginny Cote at 200 Porter Hill Road shortly before 5 p.m. Sunday. The Cotes were thawing water pipes during the day and it is believed that something ignited as a result, causing the fire, he said.

The age of the mobile home was not available but Bell said it was a fairly new with an addition. The couple escaped the home but a small dog, a Pekingese, died in the fire.

Road conditions made the response difficult, Bell said. With no fire hydrants on the hill, crews also had to obtain water from a hydrant on Town Farm Road, Bell said.

Along with Farmington Fire and Rescue firefighters, mutual aid from Strong, New Vineyard, New Sharon, Wilton and Temple responded to the scene while Industry Fire Department stood by at the Farmington station, he said. A NorthStar Ambulance crew was also available at the scene. Crews were able to return to the station shortly after 8 p.m.

The couple did have insurance on the property.

The Red Cross was called in to assist the couple Sunday evening, Bell said.