FREELAND -- A fire in Freeland displaced 11 people after flames took out a two and a half story home Friday night.
Now the families, who have been put out by the flames, are stuck finding other places to live.
"Everything that we have is gone," said Diane Tunkle, fire victim. "I just don't believe this, in a matter of a few minutes."
Tunkle is one of 11 people left with nothing but smoke and ashes after a fire broke out inside the house on Walnut Street in Freeland Friday night.
She added, "I watch it on television with other people and you never, you like never expect it to happen, you know."
Tunkle, who has disabilities, not only had to get herself out, but also had to get her son who is blind. He was on the third floor of the building when they got the call to evacuate.
She explained, "When he came down from his room, there was some white smoke in the house and I said I took his hand I said 'come on, we got to get out of here'."
Tunkle tells us the smoke was so thick, that while she was leading her son down the steps and out the front door, she thought the power went out. It wasn't until she got outside that she realized the extent of the damage.
The family lost everything inside including two of their four cats. With no place to go and nothing but the clothes on their backs, the Tunkle's weren't sure what would happen next. That's when a Motel 6 manager in Drums stepped in to help, free of charge.
"Well it feels good to help people, but it's something we need to do as a community. We need more of that in America," said Dave Larson, Manager of the Motel 6.
Just feet away from where the fire started, another family is dealing with the aftermath. Smoke damage forced Glenn Follin and his 8-year-old son out of their home next door. Both are thankful their home is still in one piece.
Follin said, "It wasn't in the plans, but it is now. I mean I have the most important thing."
Officials confirm a grease fire sparked the flames. We're told other victims are staying with friends and family.
