Family with 3-year-old loses their home after fire ravages house, car

By John Payne, WRAL photojournalist

Middlesex, N.C. — A Johnston County family of three, including a 3-year-old, lost their home and car on Thursday evening after a fire ripped through their house.

The home on Rhododendron Drive in Middlesex was less than a year old. Smoke and fire damage devastated the home. Firefighters could be seen sweeping ash and debris out of the front door, and a car in the garage was nearly a charred metal skeleton.

The fire displaced the young family, including their daughter, but no injuries were reported.

A neighbor has created a GoFundMe to help the family. He hopes to raise money to help them enjoy Christmas.

"I want to raise some money, even if it’s a little or a lot," he wrote. "Send all your prayers to them and their 3 year old!!"

Johnston County Fire Marshal's investigators are continuing their investigation into the cause of the fire.