APPLETON (NBC 26) — An Appleton family says their home caught on fire in the middle of the night. One family member says they were lucky to make it out alive.
- An Appleton family woke up to smoke and flames engulfing their house
- The family of five was able to escape
- Emergency services were able to put out the flames
- Appleton Fire Department estimates damages are $350,000
Well before the sun rose, Jason Thill and his family were asleep inside their home along S. Woodendale Way.
"Thank god my wife woke up to the smoke alarm, and we just ran. We were out."
Jason spoke to me shirtless because his clothes were in the burned house.
His wife, three other family members, and their two dogs made it out unharmed.
The Appleton Fire Department says multiple engines responded to put out the fire.
"I thank god for the Appleton Fire Department," says Thill, just hours after the fire. "[Same with] whatever other fire departments were involved. Red Cross. Thank you, God, so much for the Red Cross."
Neighbors brought him shirts, snacks, water and other necessities to help his family.
He says he's been speaking with other family members, the Red Cross, and his insurance company.
But he's still not sure what comes next.
"Best thing about it is my family is out. My dogs are out. Material things can be replaced but I can't replace my family.
The Appleton Fire Department says its still investigating the cause of the fire. They also say damage to the home and contents is estimated at $350,000. The department says smoke detectors potentially saved this family's life.
You can get one for free here through the Red Cross.
**Below is a previous version of the story.**
Everyone is all right after an Appleton home caught fire early Wednesday morning.
Firefighters responded to the 4100 block of S. Woodendale Way just before 3 AM.
Crews say there was a lot of smoke coming from the home when they arrived.
The people living there say they woke up to smoke detectors going off, and they were able to quickly escape.
Investigators believe the fire caused nearly $350,000 in damages.
Please stay with NBC 26 on air and online as we continue to learn how the fire started.
