FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) – A 6-year-old boy died Sunday morning in a house fire that filled the sky with smoke near the 14400 block of SR 101 South.

The Allen County Sheriff’s Department confirmed one person, who was initially unaccounted for, died in the fire. He was identified Tuesday as Rory McBride, 6.

Neighbors say the boy was one of the children.

Officials with the Monroeville Fire Department said members of the family who escaped the fire were taken to a hospital.

“Whenever me and my mom would come home from school the kids would always run over and talk to us or come and play. They have their swing set back there and you’d always hear them swinging and playing and in the pool there were toys everywhere in their front yard. They were always outside enjoying the country and just really being kids so I hope they can get back to that place again,” neighbor Lynae McDonald says.

  • Monroeville House on Fire
What the home looked like before the fire. Watercolor painting by John Coyne.

The incident was first called out around 4:16 a.m. Dozens of first responders were on scene to put out the blaze, and the Allen County Sheriff’s Department confirmed to WANE 15 around 10:45 a.m. the fire had been extinguished.

Ages of the family members are unknown at this time. A neighbor in the area said they woke up to the smell and sounds of the home burning.

“I ran downstairs, saw the big glow from the fire, and told my parents that my grandpa’s house was on fire,” McDonald says.

The community is rallying together to show support for the family that lost everything.

“The community’s been fantastic, that’s what I love about this small community is that we gather around each other in times like this. There are a lot of people accepting donations, there’s a go fund me page on Facebook,” McDonald says.

A firefighter placed a cross and teddy bear at the end of the road honoring the life lost.

Gas stations, local bars, and individuals are collecting donations to help the family get back on their feet. A link to donate to help the family can be found here.*

Detectives with the Allen County Sheriff’s Department are investigating as well as the state fire marshal and local FAST team.

*WANE.com does not assure that the monies or donations deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a donation, you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.