LAFAYETTE, La (KLFY) – Two families are without a place to stay after two separate homes were gutted by fire Tuesday morning.

“I’m just glad that everybody’s alright, nobody got hurt,” said neighbor, Carrol Zenon.

The first fire happened in the 700 block of NW Evangeline Thruway just after 9:30 a.m.

Public Information Officer, Alton Trahan, said the fire started in a bedroom.

“The guy had actually moved in on Saturday, he and his four kids, so they were just kind of getting settled in,” said Trahan.

Trahan said the home didn’t have utilities connected just yet, but after further investigating, the fire department determined a candle was the cause of the fire.

Just a few minutes later about two miles away firefighters battled another blaze on Essie St.

“The fire started inside the kitchen,” said Trahan. “He had put the oven on to heat it up, and didn’t realize he had some grease inside of a pot inside the oven and that’s what ignited and caught the kitchen on fire.”

Trahan said the man was inside sleeping, but was able to bust a window and get out safely.

“I’m just thankful to be alive,” said fire victim, Quawnard Williams.

“My children asked to stay home today and I told them no, so I’m kinda glad that I didn’t let them stay home due to what happened,” said Williams girlfriend, Ebony Carron. “We’re blessed, we’re very blessed.”

There were no reported injuries in either fire, but two families are now standing strong in faith to get them through this hard time.

“If anybody can help us, please don’t be afraid to help cause we’re going to need it,” said Carron. “I have five kids and a grandbaby and nowhere to go.”

Both homes have been deemed a total loss, but we’re told that American Red Cross is assisting both families.