BLOOMINGTON - Flames fueled by high winds destroyed the home of a family of six Monday afternoon south of Bloomington. Photo gallery

Thick, black smoke could be seen from Bloomington's south side during the fire at 12425 E. 450 North Road north of Heyworth. At one point, flames covered the front porch and face of the house and large portions of the roof.

The fire was reported just after 2 p.m.

Pete Peck said his wife and four children were home at the time of the fire but they were not hurt. He said the family has lived in the home since November 2000.

Peck said his 15-year-old son, Caleb, called 911 and called him at work when the fire started. His son told him he saw thick smoke in the basement when the fire alarm activated.

The fire likely started with an oil furnace in the basement, Peck said. Fire officials said the cause had yet to be determined through an investigation.

"We were very fortunate, very blessed, that everyone got out safely, and that's the important thing," Peck said. "God was looking out for them."

Peck said his family would stay at a friend's home.

The fire spared several outbuildings, including those with animals inside. Peck said he has horses, sheep, chickens, cats, turkeys and a dog.

The wind blew flames and smoke toward the road in front of the house and away from one building immediately behind the house. Randolph Township Fire Department Chaplain Kurt Flora said wind carried the fire through the home, and firefighters pulled out quickly after entering the building. The National Weather Service, Lincoln, recorded a wind speed of 29 mph in Bloomington just before the time of the fire.

Randolph Fire Capt. Bill Kiesling said flames were already blowing out of windows when firefighters arrived.

Ambulance crew members from McLean and about 40 firefighters from Heyworth, Downs, Bloomington Township, Wapella, Dale Township, McLean and Mount Hope-Funks Grove departments were called to the fire.