Family escapes Christmas morning fire

WHITE PIGEON, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – Smoke and fire consumed their home, but one West Michigan family is still counting their blessings.

As people around West Michigan woke up to presents and loved ones, one family awoke to the devastating effects of a fire.

That family's home, in the 600 block of Heath Street caught fire in the middle of the night.

Newschannel 3 caught up with Jim Delarye in front of what remains of his family's home.

"When you walk through the house you basically can see the sky," said Delarye.

Throughout the day, Delarye has been surrounded by friends and family as they've stopped by to see the devastating loss.

"The Constantine and White Pigeon fire departments went above and beyond the call of duty to help my family," said Delarye.

The fire is believed to have started around 2:00 am Christmas morning in the garage of the family home.

Delarye, along with his wife and four children managed to escape the fire, grabbing whatever they could on their way out.

"We were able to get their presents out," said Delarye, "they have a lot of smoke damage, but the kids are doing good."

Newschannel 3 has been told that the family is being helped by the Red Cross.

"We've been on the phone with the Red Cross, my insurance agent," said Delarye, "I just don't know what my next move is."

Despite the incredible loss, Delarye says he's thankful that his family survived.

"I'm thankful that everybody got out safe," said Delarye.

The family says that for the remainder of the holiday they will be spending time in Indiana with their grandparents.