The Ironton Fire Department was called out to a house fire on Orchard Hollow Thursday afternoon.

The house was totally engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived on the scene, but all four occupants of the house made it out safely. Johnny Ackison, one of the residents, says that the house has been in the family for years and it’s tough to see it lost.

“I hate to lose my home. It’s been in our family for 60 years,” Ackison said. “But, at least everyone is safe and no one was hurt.”

While the fire did destroy the home, it could have been much worse and potentially fatal if it wasn’t for some lucky timing.

“I was asleep on the couch,” Ackison said. “I mean I was completely out and snoring when my nephew just happened to come home from school. He shook me awake and said the house was on fire. If he doesn’t wake me up when he did I’m probably dead. I got very lucky.”

The IFD was unable to give any word on the cause of fire until they review the incident and make an official report.