A Brevard County family will be spending their Thanksgiving in a hotel after fire ripped through their home.
The grease fire started in the kitchen of a Bel Aire Drive home Wednesday afternoon.
The family of seven, including three children, and three cats are OK.
Firefighters said one of the family members was frying French fries when the fryer tipped over, spilling grease, which quickly caught fire.
“It splashed some oil, got on the burner, it ignited, got the kitchen cabinets going,” said District Chief Bob Furci.
Investigators said seven people live in the rental home. The four adults were able to get themselves and their cats out, and call 911. The three children were at school at the time.
Firefighters had to punch a hole in the garage door to get into the kitchen to put out the flames.
Barbara Eurgatis lives just down the street, and was happy the residents and animals are safe.
And the holiday spirit began to shine through.
“I have a whole box of cat food to give them,” Eurgatis said.
Red Cross workers arrived on the scene shortly after the fire to help the family with a temporary place to stay.
The family said they are grateful to get out safely and for the quick work of firefighters, who were able to save most of the home.