The fire started at about 3 a.m. at 816 W. Prospect Ave. near Raeford, Hoke County Sheriff Hubert Peterkin said. A space heater apparently sparked the fire, he said, although the cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
"We haven't really started in the winter season really good, and it's starting off wrong," said Peterkin. "People are going to do what they have to stay warm, but the holiday season is coming and it's sad."
Ten people were inside the home at the time. All escaped injury except the child and her grandfather, who suffered second- and third-degree burns.
Authorities said smoke detectors inside the home alerted the family to the fire and helped them escape further injury.
The names of the victims haven't been released.
About 60 firefighters were called to battle the fire, and two suffered second-degree burns while trying to get inside the home, authorities said.
There was no word Saturday morning on the conditions of the three burn victims. Relatives and neighbors are helping the family with clothes and shelter.
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