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PLEASANT VIEW -- A Weber County family lost everything when their house caught fire early Saturday morning.
The fire began at about 1:30 a.m. at the house off 1100 West in the 3800 block of Pleasant View. Fire investigators said they weren't sure of the exact cause but said it started in the attic, which allowed it to spread to other rooms fast.
The house is now a total loss.
"Losses are probably in the $300,000 range, maybe even more," said Deputy Fire Chief Leonard Call with the North View Fire Department.
Nicole Taylor just moved to the neighborhood two weeks ago and witnessed the fire.
"The whole place was in flames," she said. "What can you say? It's awful. They're my new neighbors, and it's devastating what happened to them. They've lost everything."
Firefighters said at one point flames were shooting 40 feet high.
"Fortunately, the homeowner was awake and noticed the lights flickering and so he was able to get everybody out, which is fortunate because the smoke detectors were not functioning," said Call.
Neighbors said the homeowner, Robert Barclay, had lived in the house for several years.
He was staying in an RV next to his house because so many family members, even some from out of state, were staying at the home for Christmas. Neighbors said he wanted to give them more room.
"They're a phenomenal family," said neighbor Mike Tams. "This is the worst time of year to have something like this happen."
Call said the investigation is ongoing. "It's going to take us awhile to sift through the remains and figure out what happened," he said.
The family is staying with nearby relatives, and neighbors are pitching in where they can. A fund is also being set up for the family at any America First Credit Union.
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