ADAIR COUNTY, MO. -- A Christmas time tragedy as a fire left a Heartland family without a home and destroyed all of its Christmas presents.
The fire at 31680 Twin Oaks Lane southwest of Brashear was reported shortly before 6 p.m. Thursday.
By the time fire crews arrived, Chief James Snyder with Eastern Fire Department told KTVO the two-story house was three-fourths engulfed in flames.
Other fire departments responding included LaPlata, Southwest and Novinger-Northern.
Snyder says the home is owned by Leo Shaw.
He and his three grandchildren were home when the blaze broke out.
The kids are Justin Van Dyke, 3, Kendra Van Dyke, 5, and Hannah Van Dyke, 7.
They all managed to get out and run to a neighbor's house for help.
Neighbor said the children did not live in the home. They were just there visiting for Christmas.
The home burned to the ground, and the cause is listed as "undetermined" at this time because damage is so extensive.
The cold weather caused headaches for firefighters. They had to deal with frozen lines, frozen pumps and frozen nozzles.
Donations of clothes and toys for Christmas presents can be dropped off at Schuyler County Church of Faith on Highway 136 in Lancaster.
Justin Van Dyke wears Size 10 shoes and Size 5 clothing.
Kendra Van Dyke wears Size 11 or 12 shoes and Size 6 clothing.
Hannah Van Dyke wears Size 1 shoes and Size 7 clothing.
Snyder said the family would appreciate any donations of clothing or toys to use as Christmas presents.
(C.E. Huffman and John Garlock contributed to this story.)
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKTVO