Family escapes house fire just in time

CALDWELL -- A Caldwell home went up in flames overnight while a family of three slept inside.

The fire broke out at a residence on Sand Hollow Road around 2:30 a.m. 

The family was sound asleep at the time and were awakened by a smoke detector.

"Smoke detectors went off! Got up, and the house was engulfed in smoke," said homeowner Cheyenne Kimball.

Cheyenne says he and his wife were asleep when the detector went off. He quickly moved to get his family out.

"I hollered at the wife, she got up and went to the baby's room. Got the baby out and went out the through the window," said Kimball.

Once outside, he could see just how intense the fire was and how much damage it was doing.  He ran over to his neighbor's to call for help.

When Middleton and Caldwell fire crews arrived they could see flames burning through the roof.

Middleton Fire Chief Brad Trosky said they had to shuttle water in because there is no hydrant in this rural area.

"That posed a significant problem for us. The closest water supply for us is back down on Highway 44 and the interstate," said Trosky.

That's more than five miles away. Trosky say this hampered their attack on the fire but they managed to put it out.

He says the fire had a significant head start. It destroyed most of the house, a car and all of their belongings.

"And the neighbors across the way over there gave me some clothes, gave my wife some clothes," said Kimball.

But the Kimballs saved the most important things -- themselves. 

Trosky says because the damage is so bad they won't be able to tell us what caused the fire. They have however ruled out arson.

The kimballs are staying with family and the American Red Cross is helping them out.

Fire officials say this is a good reminder to check your smoke detectors to make sure they work.

Also, they recommend keeping your bedroom doors closed at night when you sleep.

Fire investigators say the Kimball's didn't suffocate from smoke because they kept their doors shut, and that also saved their lives.

Everyone is safe now. The family has been taken to another location and will be meeting with the Red Cross.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Crews say the fire is contained they are still working to put out underlying flames.

They expect to be on scene a while longer. Middleton and Caldwell fire crews have had to shuttle water into the location.