DeKalb County firefighters responded to the scene of a house fire on Tuesday, March 8, where a local family lost all of their belongings. Though the cause of the blaze is still undetermined, it is believed that an electrical short may have sparked the fire.

DeKalb Fire Chief Donny Green told the Smithville Review that at 11:25 p.m., E-911 dispatchers received a call reporting a house fire at 5753 Walker Creek Road, between the towns of Alexandria and Temperance Hall.

Temperance Hall Engine 67, Liberty Engine 56, and Main Station Engine 59 responded to the scene, along with the department’s Tanker 1. A unit with DeKalb EMS and deputies with the DeKalb Sheriff’s Department were also on hand to render assistance.

The owner of the home, Melinda Griffith, reported that she was awakened by the sound of popping and later discovered a fire in the attic of the home. The occupants were only able to get out of the house with the clothes on their back.

Upon arrival, fire crews found the house fully involved, with flames coming from the roof of the home. Firefighters worked to contain the fire, keeping it from spreading to nearby vehicles, but the house and all of the items inside were a total loss. 

The local American Red Cross was on hand to help provide for the family’s needs. No injuries were reported.