NATCHEZ — A Natchez family is counting its blessings after a fire destroyed the family’s Pineview Drive house early Monday morning.

All six family members were able to leave the house without injuries thanks to Latosha Jefferson’s 9-year-old daughter, who woke her up after she noticed the fire.

At approximately midnight, Jefferson said she was awakened by the sound of her oldest daughter, Raniyah Brown, who had already gathered up her younger sister before altering her parents.

The fire, Jefferson said, started in the back of the house from an electrical heater that was left too close to some blankets in one of the rooms.

When Jefferson realized what was happening, all she could do was scream for her husband, Anthony White, to wake up and grab their sons — 5-year-old Anthony White Jr. and 1-year-old Carter Jefferson.

The family ran outside to watch the house in which they’ve lived for eight years burn to the ground.

“My husband tried to fight the fire the best he could, but it was too much at that point,” Jefferson said.

“The fire department got there and put everything out, but everything is gone.

“The house is completely burned to the ground and so are our vehicles.”

The family is currently staying in a hotel paid for by the Adams County Chapter of the American Red Cross.

With no insurance on the house, Jefferson said her family would have to figure out a way to restart their lives.

“We don’t have anything right now, so we’re willing to take any type of help anyone is willing to give us,” Jefferson said. “We’re in need of everything, because we lost everything.”

But looking back at the traumatic experience, Jefferson said she’s extremely fortunate to still have her family with her through the difficult time.

“I’m so thankful that my daughter was responsible enough not to mess with the fire and come get us,” Jefferson said. “I get chills talking about it, because I know it could have been a lot worse.

“I’m just so glad we all got out of the fire, and everyone is safe.”

Those wishing to make donations can reach Jefferson at 504-875-0345.