A central Kentucky fire chief found himself on the other side of an emergency after his house went up in flames.

The fire broke out Thanksgiving morning at the chief's home on Railroad Street in the Gravel Switch community of Marion County.

Fire Chief Larry Vaughn ended up losing everything.

He and his family were at a relative's house in another county when they got the call about the fire.

"I've always been the one to help somebody. I didn't know it was going to be turned around so I needed help," says Larry Vaughn, Fire Chief.

Investigators say they suspect arson was the cause.

The family lost two dogs and a cat in the fire in addition to most of their belongings.

Firefighters were only able to save a few personal items.

Chief Vaughn says he's leaning on his fellow firefighters during this difficult time.

Some of those firefighters are planning a benefit to help the family get back on their feet.