RICHMOND, Va. — A Richmond family of six is alive but lost their home in an early-morning fire Wednesday.
The fire started at 4 a.m. in the 3000 block of Moss Side Avenue.
"Six fire companies responded and got here pretty quickly," said Battalion Chief Kent Taylor Sr. "The first fire company that arrived reported heavy fire on the first and second floor.”
Richmond Fire says they were able to get the fire under control in about 15 minutes.
"These old houses have balloon construction and whatever happens in the bottom goes to the top, so all in the walls, all the way to the attic, got embers and hotspots," said Taylor.
Thankfully, the four adults and two children who lived inside made it out safely. But they watched alongside neighbors as their home was destroyed.
"It's heartbreaking to speak to them and, you know, the kids and all," he expressed. "It's heartbreaking.”
It’s been an unfortunately busy start to the year for Taylor’s team, and he wants to share some tips that could help prevent this from happening at your home.
"A lot of our fires are cooking fires," he shared. "Maintaining your electrical systems, getting that inspected and evaluated. Doing exit drills in the home, that's always a good thing, and ensuring that you've got a working smoke detector. We haven't determined yet whether that alarmed them or not,but that is key. That is vital."
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but crews expect the home to be a total loss.
This is a developing story. Email the CBS 6 Newsroom if you have additional information to share.
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