An early morning structure fire two days before Christmas in Mount Airy has left a family homeless. According to Surry County Fire Marshal Doug Jones, the family was not at home at the time of the fire.

Jones said units from the Four Way Volunteer Fire Department as well as units from Franklin and Bannertown responded to the call which was received at about 2 a.m. this morning. He said the single story home with a basement was completely destroyed by the fire. Units arriving first on the scene reported the roof of the house already had collapsed.

He declined to release the identities of the family pending the ongoing investigation. Jones said because of the holiday, results would not probably be available until after Christmas. Surry County Emergency Services Director John Shelton said that preliminary evidence did not indicate arson. He said the exact cause of the blaze has not been determined.

The location of the residence has been identified as 288 Gaylon St. by the Surry County Chapter of the American Red Cross. Red Cross Emergency Services Program Manager Tom Dunn said the group assisted the family of two adults and three children by providing them with food, shelter and clothing. Dunn’s report indicated the family has been referred to the Red Cross emergency services department for further assistance.