Macomb County family escapes house fire with only clothes on their backs

WARREN, Mich. – A Macomb County family is trying to keep it together after losing everything in a house fire Sunday.

UPDATE: Warren family seeks help after fire destroys home

The house is located in Warren, near the intersection of Chapp and Van Dyke avenues.

The family has three children -- one as young as seven months old.

Willie Matthews said he stayed strong to keep his family calm. The family of four barely escaped the flames with only the clothes they were wearing.

“Birth certificates, social security card, my wallet, my ID, all my cash -- everything we have is just gone,” Matthews said.

The fire is believed to have been caused by a candle that was knocked over.

Matthews said one of his children’s medication to prevent seizures was destroyed in the fire.

The family did not have insurance and were renting the home in the hopes of owning it one day.

The Red Cross arrived a short time after the fire was put out and gave the family blankets. They’re now hoping they can stay with relatives until they find a new home.

A GoFundMe has been set up for the family. You can donate here.


About the Authors
Priya Mann headshot

Priya joined WDIV-Local 4 in 2013 as a reporter and fill-in anchor. Education: B.A. in Communications/Post Grad in Advanced Journalism

Dane Kelly headshot

Dane is a producer and media enthusiast. He previously worked freelance video production and writing jobs in Michigan, Georgia and Massachusetts. Dane graduated from the Specs Howard School of Media Arts.

Loading...