NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk firefighters responded to a structure fire early Friday morning.
Crews were called to the 9600 block of 18th Bay Street in East Ocean View around 6:30 a.m.
Responding firefighters found a structure with heavy smoke and flames showing when they first arrived.
The people who live in this home told 13News Now that the fire was an accident.
Firefighters said around 7:17 a.m., their crews got the flames under control, but a family of ten lost their home.
There were six kids and four adults that lived in the home Yvonne Mack said.
“I’m hurt,” Mack said through tears. “We lost everything.”
Her cat died in the fire, but Mack said her dog ran out of the house safely. Even with the loss, she’s grateful all the family members are alive.
“What matters is everybody got out safely,” said Mack.
Firefighters are grateful for that too. The family said they woke to the smell of smoke.
Battalion Chief Garry Windley said the fire marshal is checking for smoke detectors now.
“At least the occupants got early notification to get out,” said Windley.
Also, Norfolk’s fire marshal is trying to determine how the fire started.
"You know somebody fell asleep with a cigarette in their mouth and couldn’t get it in time,” Mack said.
“Why us, why? We’re not bad people but accidents happen,” said Mack.
In the meantime, neighbors are already helping the family. As 13News Now crews were there, they saw several neighbors donate clothes and bring food to the family.
Norfolk firefighters said Red Cross will help the family as well.