Family's house catches fire while they are on vacation

GLOUCESTER, N.J. (WTXF) - Firefighters have cleaned up the scene after a four alarm fire destroyed a family's home.

The fire began in the basement of a home at 57 North Oak Avenue around 1 p.m. Sunday afternoon.

Pitman Fire Department Chief Bruce Scott said, ""The fire started in the basement, it's still under investigation at this point in time but it traveled straight up the walls because there are no fire stops in the old homes and it went straight to the roof.

Multiple fire companies responded, and gained control of the fire quickly. Unfortunately, there was a staircase collapse but it only caused minor injuries to a few firefighters.

Investigators say the family that owns the home was on vacation and when they rushed back to their destroyed home, friends and family stepped in.

No smoke or water damage has been reported by Neighbors.