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Taft family escapes burning home in early morning fire

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A family of four was forced to escape their burning home in Taft on Friday. 

According to the Kern County Fire Department, around 2 a.m. crews were dispatched to the 500 block of Van Buren Street for reports of a structure fire. 

When fire fighters arrived the home was engulfed in flames.

Officials said the family was awakened by sounding smoke detectors. A man was able to help his son escape through a window. As heavy smoke and fire filled the house, the man quickly escaped through the window as well.

Both father and son sustained minor cuts from the sharp window glass and were treated at the scene. 

Two other family members were able to escape the fire through a back door. They were uninjured. 

Fire officials said the home was destroyed. Total loss is estimated at $90,000.

The fire also spread to a structure to the rear of the home but fire fighters were able to put out the blaze out quickly, resulting in about $10,000 damage. 

The cause of the fire are under investigation. 

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