Ms. Betty King, along with her three grandchildren and two great-grands, moved into their Clair-Mel home on Flint Drive five years ago. After enjoying a great Thanksgiving, the family had started their Christmas shopping.

Ms. King said all of that came to an end early Saturday morning.

“It was about 1 a.m. and we were all sleeping when our next door neighbor woke us up saying the house was on fire. My 27-year-old granddaughter got up and started trying to wake everyone up to get them out of the house.

“I suffer from arthritis and have to use a walker and cane to get around, so it was difficult for me to get out. I could smell the smoke, and when I looked back toward the kitchen, it seemed that’s where all the smoke was coming from.”

Ms. King said her granddaughter managed to get everyone up except for one child, whose door had to be kicked open to get him out.

“Thank God we all got out safely. It looks like the fire started in the laundry room and may have been an electrical shortage.

“The house is a total loss with fire, smoke and water damage in every room. We lost everything in the fire, because we never had a chance to grab something on our way out.”

[private]The American Red Cross housed the family for 3 days, and later gave them a 2-day extension. However, after that Ms. King and her family will have to find somewhere to go.

“The weather has turned cold, and everyone is fighting just to keep a roof over their own heads these days,” said Ms. King.

“We would appreciate any help we can get, especially for another place to call home. We’re also in dire need of clothing.”

County Fire spokesman, Capt. Ray Yeakley, said according to investigators, the fire did start in the laundry room area and the cause has not been determined.

“The investigators said the heaviest damage was on the west side of the home, and although there was a washer and dryer in the laundry room, it was determined neither was the cause of the fire.”

Yeakley said the report also indicates that the home was total loss.

Anyone who can assist this family can call (813) 516-3962.[/private]