LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) – Two houses were destroyed after two separate fires that happened within an hour of each other.

The first fire happened at a home in the 700 block of Evangeline Thruway around 9:30 a.m.

Police temporarily shut down a portion of the Thruway as fire crews worked to extinguish the fire.

The fire started in one of the bedrooms but the exact cause is still unknown.

Lafayette Fire Department spokesperson Alton Trahan said a man and his four children had just moved into the house over the weekend.

Electricity had not been connected to the house yet and investigators believe the fire may have been ignited by a candle.

The second fire happened shortly before 10 a.m. on Essie Street.

Trahan said one person was sleeping in the home at the time and was able to break out a window and escape.

Investigators have ruled the second fire was caused when grease was ignited in the kitchen.

Two adults and five children live at the home on Essie Street.

Both homes are considered total losses, according to Trahan.

The American Red Cross is currently assisting both families.

No injuries were reported in either fire.

A fund to help one of the families has been set up at Midsouth Bank.