LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A family in west Louisville is without a home this Christmas, after a heavy fire took its toll.
Louisville Fire Department (LFD) officials say it started in a vacant, two-story house in the Shawnee neighborhood and caused damage to three others.
The fire started around 6 a.m. Tuesday, along S 38th Street near River Park Drive. Around 70 firefighters responded, arriving on site within minutes of the alert.
Thankfully, no one was hurt, but the community says they're praying for the family who has to completely rebuild their life this holiday season.
"We love you, it's going to be all right," said neighbor Jala, whose home is okay sitting just outside the affected area. "She's such a strong, hardworking woman, she's going to be OK."
Jala says a mother and two kids lived in the home right next to the empty house where fire officials say the fire started.
Neighbors like Kim Pace drove up and down the block Tuesday, looking at the aftermath hours later.
"She had children in the house right there, so my main concern was did anything happen to the babies? Did everybody come out all right?" Pace said. "I just pray that they get back on their feet."
Everyone did, but emotionally and financially it's a tough scene, as investigators work to nail down a cause.
LFD Major Bobby Cooper calls winter season and the holidays the "perfect storm" for fires to break out, urging the public to take extra precautions.
The American Red Cross will help assist those affected by the fire throughout the holiday season.
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