Home owner Brenda Smith stood across the street surrounded by friends and neighbors who were there for support. Smith, still in shock, declined to comment on the event.
A touching scene unfolded as friends and neighbors approached Smith and, through tears, offered her places to stay.
Nappanee and Bremen firefighters worked for about an hour before the blaze was under control.
The house was a total loss.
At print time, the cause of the fire was still under investigation.
Smith, who lived in the house with her teenage son, was not home when the fire broke out.
No injuries were reported.