House Fire Leaves Family of Ten Homeless

A family of ten loses everything in a house fire in Soddy Daisy.

"We lost everything all the furniture, we have no tv's, we have nothing," says William Laffew as he looks around the charred living room of his home.

The home double wide mobile home is a total love. Everything from televisions, dishes and pictures are covered in black soot; including the stove, where yesterday's fire started.

"I threw on a chicken patty on the stove. It was cooking. Then my little boy woke up. I took a few minutes to nurse him back to sleep, come in and it started blazing," says Laffew.

After seeing the fire, Laffew says he wrapped his children in a blanket and got out of the house.

They called 911 and within 5 minutes, he says the Soddy Daisy Fire Department showed up.

The smoke alarm that used to be on this wall is completely melted. However, Laffew says that's what helped him get he and is family outside to safety.

"We made it out okay but it was really quick. If it hadn't been for that alarm going off I think we would have burned up," says Laffew.

However, Laffew says the family did lose some real valuables. A family dog died in the fire and Pictures of his mother who died two years ago.

Most importantly though, Laffew says his family is safe and sound.

"It's just kills me that this happened. It's not supposed to happen this way. Like we just lost everything and some things you can't replace," says Laffew.

The family does have insurance and will stay in a hotel for a few nights. If you would like to help or donate, contact the American Red Cross at 423-265-3455.