Newport News - William Burke still doesn't know what caused him to wake up in the middle of the night the morning of November 8th, but he knows the flames that devoured his home were set intentionally.
"I just happened to wake up and come out and see the flames running across the roof," said Burke. "We were fortunate, someone was looking over us."
According to Newport News Police, someone set fire to Burke's home at 3:20 a.m. Both Burke and his son were asleep at the time. Burke's neighbors were also woken up by the fire, they quickly took action to help, by using a garden hose to start putting out the flames and banging on the windows to help wake up them up.
"The main thing was getting my son out because he was still sleeping and the dogs were still sleeping," said Burke.
Thankfully no one was hurt in the fire, but Burke's home was seriously damaged. For four months, Burke, his son and their two dogs had to live with a friend while their family home of 37-years was repaired.
"It's great to be back," laughed Burke. "It was great to come back and get settled."
The home has been completely fixed, the only reminder of the fire is a smudge in the driveway.
"It's like getting a new house."
While Burke's outlook remains positive, Police's investigation isn't. There are no leads in the case and no suspects. If you have any information about this act of arson Newport News Police ask that you take action and call the Crime Line.
