A fire caused severe damage to a Columbus home early Thursday morning.
The blaze broke out around 3:45 a.m. at a one-story house on the 300 block of 21st Street North. There were nine people — including five adults and four children — inside when the fire started. The ages of the children are: 7 years old, 3 years old, 2 years old and 2 months old.
Reggie Keyton, the brother of home owner Andrew Keyton, lives across the street from the residence. He said he woke up when the house was burning and called 911, then he and another brother went to help the family get out of the house safely.
“Something just woke me up, and we looked out and saw the flames,” he said.
Andrew Keyton, his wife, Pauline Gavin; his daughter, Joanne Keaton; and his oldest son, Robert Gavin lived in the house. All are adults.
According to Carole Summerall, fire safety officer, the four children do not live at the house but are relatives and were staying for the night.
“My stepdaughter (Victoria Keaton), she comes over for the weekend and she brings her kids sometimes. She was the one who woke us up,” Pauline Gavin said. “I was shocked. And sad, too.”
Denise Todd, American Red Cross representative, said the family is staying at a local Motel 6 until they find another place.
The family is accepting donations ranging from toys to clothing. The sizes are 24 and 16 in women’s clothing and sizes 36 and 38 in men’s clothing..
“Anything they are willing to give,” Reggie Keyton said.
According to Columbus Fire and Rescue Station 1 Battalion Chief Mark Ward, no one was injured.
A total of 12 emergency responders from Columbus Fire and Rescue responded to the incident.
Ward said the house received “major damage,” but it is unknown whether it is a total loss.
The cause of the fire is still being investigated.
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