A man's home went up in flames last night.

Fire crews from the Okotoks, Foothills, and Black Diamond departments were on scene Thursday night, Feb. 4, and were able to put out the blaze before it spread to other structures on the property just off of Range Road 294A by Highway 7 in the Okotoks area.

Andrew Colins was returning to his RV trailer after picking up some food for his dog to find his mobile home engulfed in flames.

His older brother Richard says that Andrew and his dog were uninjured but that Andrew was rattled.

"He just lost everything... It's gone now. There's nothing left. The only thing he's got is a bag of dog food and his car, and a little bit of gas to get back and forth to work, and that's about it. His whole life investment was in that home.

"It really is just like watching your life wash away in front of you. I mean, he's pretty devastated. He'll bounce back. Andrew's a really strong person."

Richard says his brother is actively engaged in the local community, having helped with the fireworks shows with the Okotoks Dawgs and the Town of Okotoks for years.

Joey Lafont grew up knowing Andrew and his family and says Andrew's been one of his best friends since he moved to town.

He says he was concerned when he heard the news and called Andrew right away.

"I was a little worried at first, but when I heard his voice, made sure he was OK and stuff, I was a bit more at ease."

Lafont, Richard, and others are working out the details for raising funds to help him get back on his feet.

In the meantime, Andrew is staying with friends and family.

The Okotoks Fire Department was at the scene again the next day conducting the investigation.

They have yet to determine the cause of the fire.

(Photos by Jessica Dezall/Okotoks Online)