A fire destroyed a family home in Meridian early Thursday morning, authorities said.

The blaze burned a home on the 400th block of 59th Avenue around 12:30 a.m. Firefighters fought the fire for about 30 minutes, nearly extinguishing it by 1 a.m., according to Meridian Fire Department Investigator Kenny Watson. 

“When the first engine arrived there were reports of occupants,” Watson said. “But before entry it was determined that all occupants were accounted for (outside).”

By noon, after a few hours of investigating, Watson said it appeared the fire originated from the front bedroom. 

“At this time we’re going to rule it as an accident,” Watson said. 

Owner Meladie Carlson drove from her home in Stonewall to assess the damage. Carlson, 43, has owned the home since the death of her mother three years ago.

Carlson, the youngest of five siblings, said her brother lived in the home, possibly with a second cousin and their family. 

“I was more worried about (my brother) than anyone else,” Carlson said. Carlson’s brother lived in the bedroom where the fire started. “I didn’t even know about (the cousin) until this morning.”

Carlson’s sister in Laurel woke her up at 5:30 a.m. with the news of the fire. Carlson planned to stay in the area throughout the day while firefighters investigated. 

Carlson circled the outside of the home, searching for rooms with items that could be salvaged. Her mother’s old room, one of the less-damaged parts of the home, had a few picture books she wanted to save.

“Old pictures are irreplaceable,” Carlson said.