Fire drove a Lantana family of six from their home early Monday, and their community is rallying to help them.

Kirby and Julie Godfrey awoke just after midnight to the sound of loud explosions, the smell of smoke and flames. Argyle Fire Chief Mac Hohenberger said the fire started in the garage, and that is the reason the fire alarm had not yet sounded.

The couple got their four young sons safely out of the house in the 8000 block of Weston, but the fire chief said the house was a total loss, likely suffering about $500,000 in damage.

Hohenberger said investigators from the Denton County Fire Marshal’s Office determined the fire was caused by an electrical malfunction.

Lantana contracts with the Argyle Emergency Service District for fire protection. Denton, Flower Mound, Double Oak and Highland Village fire departments sent units to combat the blaze.

The Godfreys have three sons who attend E.P. Rayzor Elementary School and one son who is not yet school age, said Sharon Cox, public information officer for the Denton school district.

Lantana resident Cathi Brock is leading a drive to help the family, who apparently lost most of their belongings in the fire. She is working in connection with the North Star Academy, a Lantana day-care facility.

“We’re suggesting that people give money, or gift cards to retail establishments or restaurants,” Brock said. “That way they can buy the necessities they need and be able to eat at a restaurant when they need to.”

Donations can be dropped off from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m at North Star Academy day care at 551 Rayzor Road beside the elementary school .

Or call North Star at 940-725-4114 for more information.

DONNA FIELDER can be reached at 940-566-6885. Her e-mail address is dfielder@dentonrc.com .