A mother, grandmother and six children ranging from ages 5 to 17 are trying to salvage anything they can from their burnt out home on Old Oxford Road and Danube Lane in Durham. Homeowner, Vergie Spears, says she was at work and most of her children were at school when the fire started around 9:40 Wednesday morning.

Spears' 13-year-old daughter and her mother were home. They were not hurt. Fire officials say the home was completely destroyed. Spears says she doesn't know what to do at this point. "I just can't believe this right here, right here. It just too much for me." Spears adds, "I just thank God my mom wasn't asleep because she normally be alseep."

Fire investigators say the blaze started by an overloaded extension cord in the 1st bedroom.

The Durham Fire Department says they're going to adopt the family to help them this Christmas. Anyone can help by dropping off clothing or toys for the children at any of the Durham fire stations. The Red Cross is now trying to find temporary shelter for the family.

11-29-06
1126 S. HOOVER RD.
WORKING APT. FIRE
B1, B2, E3, E1, E4, L1, L413, SQ1, MS1, FD5

11-29-06
1206 E. MAIN ST.
WORKING HOUSE FIRE
B1, B3, E3, E1, E4, L1, L2, SQ1, MS1, FD5