In 2000, a fire caused by lightning destroyed the home of Clay and Connie Gee four miles south of Colman.
Then Thursday, fire once again burned down their home.
Fire officials said they weren't sure what started the latest fire, which began on the home's deck.
Family members managed to save many of their photos and antiques after the 2000 fire. But they lost all their belongings in Thursday's blaze.
Their three boys ran barefoot to a neighbor's house to call for help. Fire crews arrived shortly before 11 a.m. and saw flames shooting through the roof, Fire Chief Bruce Cramer said.
``It was just a fluke, and last time was a fluke,'' Christy Gee said.
``We're just thankful that our boys got out OK. That's the most important thing right now. ... They're stressed, but that's to be expected.''
The family had rebuilt the home after the 200 fire. The Gees were vacationing in California when that fire struck.
Cramer said 35 firefighters from Colman, Chester, Egan, Flandreau and Trent responded.
``There is no good time for a fire, but this is a real bad time on days like this,'' Cramer said, referring to the holidays and bitter cold temperatures of Thursday. ``It makes it quite challenging. The boys are still beating ice off the trucks to get them serviceable again.''
Despite losing their home and belongings, the family's resolve didn't waver.
``I don't see us leaving,'' Christy Gee said. ``We like where we're at, and we're going to stay.''
Plans are in the works to help the family. ``Everybody has just been so tremendous that I'm glad we live where we live,'' she said.
