Local

Family with 5 young children escapes Catawba Co. house fire

CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. — Firefighters were called to a house fire on Fieldcrest Drive south of Hickory around 2 a.m. Wednesday.

When they arrived, they said they saw heavy flames coming from the home’s roof.

Tonya and Jamie Upchurch, along with their children, told Channel 9 they’re thankful to be alive.

"If we were in there another five to seven minutes we wouldn't have been able to get out, except through the windows,” Jamie Upchurch said.

The children’s grandfather awoke to a popping sound. The parents then smelled smoke and spotted the fire along the back of the home.

"Had to get my kids and my animals,” Tonya Upchurch said. “All of the other stuff, I can replace, but I can't replace my family."

Six different fire departments with more than 30 firefighters worked to bring the fire under control.

Neighbors said the flames shot more than 20 feet above the home. They are now trying to find a way to help the family of seven.

"They just escaped with the clothes on their back, basically, because I sure didn't see anything outside in the neighbor’s yard or anything. Bless their hearts. I feel for them,” neighbor Karen Rager said.

The Red Cross in Catawba County is also trying to help the family, who didn't have insurance.

Members of the family said they’re grateful so many people are trying to help.

"It's definitely warming my heart. I didn't know so many people would be there to help us,” Tonya Upchurch said.

Fire investigators said they don't see anything suspicious about the fire. The cause is still under investigation.