Fire destroys Portsmouth home

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) - A Portsmouth family is putting together the pieces after a fire destroyed their dreams to help the elderly.

The flames broke out early Wednesday morning in the 1500 block of Marshall Avenue, that's in the Brighton neighborhood of the city.

The owner of the building, Sarah Grant, told WAVY.com renovations were underway to make an assisted living facility. She broke down into tears as she watched flames tear through the structure. "It was just gorgeous in there. Anybody would want to live in there. And I'm so sorry that happened," Grant said. "I put a lot of work into this - the best that can be bought out of the store. And I wanted them to live like a queen in this place."

When WAVY.com arrived on scene we saw flames shooting out of the roof and smoke smothering much of the neighborhood. The heat of the fire even melted the siding of nearby homes.

While the fire has delayed Grant's plans to open the facility, she says it won't end her passion in helping those in need.

"I don't think I will ever stop, Grant said. "I believe God is going to bless me to get back in there, because that's what we need."

No one was hurt in the fire and there's still no word on the exact cause.