A Bridgeport man is grieving after a house fire on the West End killed his 90-year-old father, Joseph Gause, and their eight dogs Wednesday afternoon.

William Gause was at an appointment when the fast-moving, wind-fueled fire broke out at his childhood home, completely destroying the house.

Local officials, including Mayor Joe Ganim and Fire Marshal Joseph Carr, met with Gause to offer condolences and urge residents to utilize the city's free smoke detector program.

Despite the immense heartbreak, Gause is leaning on his faith, sharing that a rainbow appearing over his ruined home made him feel his father’s spirit walking to glory.