A Gantt man is staying with family members in Luverne this week after losing almost everything he owned in a house fire Tuesday morning.

Don Johnson, director of the Andalusia chapter of the American Red Cross, said the single male occupant of the home opted to stay with family after the blaze destroyed everything but his vehicle.

“He wanted to go back and get his truck, but the keys burned up in the fire,” Johnson said.

Bill Stanley, assistant fire chief for the Gantt Fire Department, said the fire broke out at the Central Street home just after 2 a.m.

“We were called at 2:30 a.m.,” Stanley said, adding the home was fully involved when firefighters from Gantt, Rose Hill and Heath arrived on the scene.

“It was a total loss,” he said. “(The home’s occupant) wasn’t hurt, but he lost everything. He got out of the place barefoot.”

Stanley said the fire is suspected to have originated from faulty wiring in a space heater.

“That happens a lot this time of year,” he said, adding the fire did appear to be an accident, and is not suspected to have been a result of any form of foul play.

Johnson said the Red Cross is prepared to help with basic needs, such as food, clothing and temporary shelter, should they be requested to do so.