HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — In April of 2023, the Bunn family returned to their home in Hanover County only to find their house engulfed in flames. “We lost our pets, we lost our house and everything in it, and it happened so fast,” mother and author Casey Bunn recalled. Casey, her husband Colin and their two kids were not home when it caught fire. However, she said they lost everything. The flames even claimed the lives of the family pets -- two dogs and two cats. She said the loss was a shock. "My husband is a Hanover fireman so I knew when I called 911, it was going to be all his friends coming to our house," Casey shared. "They were incredible. They really were, but it was scary." Now, more than a year later, the Bunn family is sharing their story in the form of a children's book called "Above the Ashes." “This fire gave us more than it took,” Casey shared. “What the community did was nothing short of miraculous. That’s why we’ve chosen to bring a message of light to others.” The message was shared not only through the book, but by the fire safety demonstration held at the event. It took place at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery in Richmond on Monday, Oct. 21. Firefighters from counties across Central Virginia joined the Bunn family to share essential safety tips with attendees. “You don’t have to be fearful, but you do need to be prepared,” Casey emphasized. “You need to regularly check your insurance policy and ensure you know what’s covered.” Firefighters demonstrated safety measures, from checking smoke alarms to using outlet covers, while insurance representatives provided practical advice on documenting belongings for the unexpected. “Make sure you videotape the inside of your garage, your shed, anything and everything you have,” one expert said, showing the importance of being ready for the unimaginable. More fire prevention tips can be found here.