Family of five escaped with its lives from Tuesday morning fire

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF)- Chris Poor has quite the story to share with his classmates when he returns to class at Campbell High this morning. In 10-degree weather, he escaped his burning home at 3:30am Tuesday along with the rest of his family.

Poor thinks the wood burning stove played a role in how the fire started. “Luckily, my aunt’s cat, Kali, woke her up, and then she woke up the rest of us,” said the teen. Kali made it out, too, but she was spooked, according to Poor.

“At first, we just watched the fire and then went to a nearby home. It was so cold,” said Poor. He describes being a bit nervous and keyed up after making it our with his life. They were able to save a couple high school diplomas and some outfits. Everything else was lost, according to the CCHS Sophomore.

Poor recently moved back to La Follette after spending his middle school years at Cincinnati. “I’ve spent more than half of my life living in that home. It was my grandmother’s house. I have lots of memories there,” said Poor.

For now, a house on East Elm Street serves as home for Poor and his family. He says he’s okay on clothes though his aunt could use pants (size 13), XL shirts and size 8-1/2 shoes. “My dad is size large in shirts, 34 in pants and a size 10 1/25 in shoes. My first cousin needs 11-12 in jeans, 8 1/2 shoes and 12-14 pants. My male cousin is 30-32 pants large T-shirts and 10 1/2 shoes,” said Poor. Poor’s phone number is 423.466.7395.

There is a GoFundMe page set up for the family, and your consideration is appreciated.

Today, Poor turns his thoughts to settling back into school after the snow break and house fire. He’s looking forward to joining the football team for off season workouts and becoming a Cougar. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-01/23/2025-6AM-PHOTO COURTESY OF CAMPBELL COUNTY RURALFIRE SERVICE CAPTAIN DANIEL LAWSON)

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