CECILIA, La. (KLFY)- Joe and Comalita Gregory have lived in their home for nearly 20 years, and now they are left picking up ash after a fire destroyed everything they owned on Monday.

According to the St. Martin Parish Fire District, firefighters were called out their home just after 6:30 Monday morning. Officials say the fire spread quickly through the home and into the attic, making it a tough battle for crews. Luckily, after an hour, crews were able to get the flames under control. The cause of the fire has not yet been released.

Joe and Comalita’s daughter, Derriniqua Calais, said she was notified by her sister that the home they grew up in was up in flames.

“I was devastated,” said Calais. “I was at my home in Hammond, Louisiana when I received a phone call from my sister at about 6:30am and she just told me our house is on fire, our family home is on fire,” said Calais.

Calais said her parents were able to escape their home safely, but they lost everything they owned.

“It’s very tragic when you have to start over, from birth certificates, social security cards, and we lost all our sentimental values like my diploma, my trophies, my sister things, it’s hard,” said Calais.

Despite this loss, Calais said she and her family will always hold onto the memories they made. One of those moments include a previous occasion where Calais’ family threw a birthday party for her grandfather and cousin.

“We were just so happy in it to see how hard my parents worked to actually get this home and make sure that our family was safe, it was a really great time, it was a great time, that day was just one of the best days ever here,” said Calais.

She urges homeowners to ensure their smoke alarms are working, as she said they can lives.

“The smoke alarm is the only reason why my family was able to escape in the time that they did,” said Calais. “Please you guys make sure your smoke alarms are up to date and working properly so this can prevent any harm to your family, I also want to just thank God that everybody in my family is safe and we’re able to at least move on from this tragedy together,” said Calais.

If you would like to donate to help the family, click here.

There will also be a benefit held for the family at Hard Riders MC Lafayette this Saturday, June 7th. It will be held from 2pm-until. Essentials such as food, hygiene products, clothing, footwear and cash will be accepted.

• Clothing and footwear sizes are listed below.
• Mens- Shirt-Large/Pants-32/32
• Womens-Shirt-X-Large/Bottom-14
• Womens-Shirt-3XL/Bottom-22
• Girls-Size-10/12
• Shoes:
• Mens-10
• Womens-11
• Womens-10
• Girls-5

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