North Stonington – Four people were displaced by a fire Wednesday that badly damaged a home at 256 Cossaduck Hill Road.

Firefighters were called out to the two-story raised ranch at about 2:30 p.m. for reports of a basement fire. Upon arrival, North Stonington Volunteer Fire Chief Charles Steinhart V said firefighters encountered heavy fire in the finished basement with flames shooting from the windows. The fire had already spread into an upper floor but was stopped before reaching an outdoor home heating oil tank, Steinhart said.

Several occupants were already outside when firefighters arrived, but several cats were unaccounted for.

The home is expected to be considered a total loss because of extensive fire, smoke, heat and water damage.

North Stonington called on mutual aid from numerous neighboring departments for manpower and water, since the rural area is not serviced by hydrants.

Wequetequock from Stonington, Center Groton, Ledyard, Preston City, Voluntown, Griswold, Ashaway, R.I., Mohegan Tribal and U.S. Navy were among the departments that responded.

The local chapter of the American Red Cross was called in to provide the four occupants of the home with emergency needs.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the local fire marshal's office.

Town records show the home is owned by Andrew and Tamara Gaskins.