Terry Miller was in relatively good spirits Friday morning, considering he and his family had lost all their material possessions in a pre-dawn fire hours earlier.

“You’re looking at it,” he said, pointing to a box of shoes and a bowl when asked what was left after the blaze broke out about 4 a.m.

Miller said the smell of smoke awoke him and he quickly realized the situation, waking his wife and their three children, his sister and her husband and their three children and hustling everyone out of the residence.

Also safe as the house quickly became fully engulfed in flames were two dogs.

The fire alarm was logged at 3:48 a.m. According to records, by 3:51 the house at 650 North 2nd was ablaze.

Investigation continues into what may have started it.

Miller said the property, which belongs to his mother, was insured.

He was awaiting a visit from Red Cross representatives on Friday to learn what immediate assistance he and the families could be provided.

A fund to accept assistance from city residents may also be established.

Miller works in the oil field industry, but was laid off two weeks ago, he said.