Mobile home fire
WISE COUNTY — A Wise County family's mobile home, garage and vehicle were destroyed in an early Monday morning fire near New Fairview.
Neighbors described the family who lived inside the home as giving, which is why they said they hope they can return the favor by helping them in their time of need. Area residents have offered the family places to stay and financial assistance.
The fire, which began in the garage and quickly spread, woke up Beverly McCurdy and her grandson - Michael - before sunrise Monday morning.
The family owns several show cats, a dog and a pet rabbit. Rick Pennington, who lives across the street from the McCurdy family, said he rushed over to find the couple trying to rescue their animals. Both McCurdy and her grandson were able to escape safely, but two of the cats were killed in the fire.
Heavy flames and smoke engulfed the structure when the first units arrived at the location about 10 miles southeast of Decatur.
The Penningtons set up a special fund for the family called the Beverly McCurdy fire fund, and donations can be made at any Wells Fargo bank.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but initial indications are that it started in the garage, which was just a few feet away from where Michael McCurdy was grilling a steak overnight.
WFAA-TV's Cynthia Vega contributed to this report
