Beaufort Co. family of 11 loses home in fire; asks for community’s help to rebuild

BEAUFORT, SC. (WTOC) - Investigators are trying to figure out what caused a house fire in Beaufort that displaced a family of 11.

The Brown family was asleep at their home in Beaufort when they heard a loud explosion that forced all 11 people to leave the house.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Family displaced after house fire in Beaufort

At first, they thought a car had crashed nearby, but then they found out their home was on fire.

“I saw red and yellow lights and was like, ‘Why is EMS in our backyard?’ So I went to the front door, and it was on fire and yelled, ‘Everybody get out,’” said Johnathan Brown Sr.

The parents quickly woke up their kids and got out on Sunday night.

They conducted a head count and realized one of their children was still asleep inside, so the father rushed inside to retrieve him.

“I went back inside and got him,” said Brown.

By the time they made it outside, fire crews were on the scene, and they were able to put out the flames. Those crews returned to the home on Wednesday, finishing up their investigation alongside representatives from the insurance company.

The family tells us they are lucky to be alive.

“These things happen, and you never think they are going to happen to you. We are glad that we had our kids prepared for fire drills and stuff like that. Do that with your family, let your kids know what they need to do,” said Alisha Brown.

The family hopes they will be able to go inside to see what they can save in the coming days.

“All of my identification and personal stuff I need is in a chest. We just want to get that stuff,” said Brown.

Following the fire, the Browns have been staying with family members and say they are very thankful to the community for helping them in their time of need.

They hope to rebuild in the future.

“It’s just not easy at all, but I am still happy that my family is intact, and we will build from here,” said Brown.

If you would like to help the Brown family, a GoFundMe has been set up to help them rebuild and get back on their feet.

Click here to visit “Rebuild Hope for Brown Family” GoFundMe.