WHEELING, W.Va. —

A duplex in Wheeling was heavily damaged by fire Friday morning, leaving a family of four devastated.

The fire was contained to half of the building at 179 Lane 15, which is an alley between 17th and 18th Streets in East Wheeling.

Both sides of the building were evacuated, and everyone escaped safely.

Officials said the fire started in a front room, spread mostly on the outside, then climbed front exterior walls to the roof.

Police tried to use a fire extinguisher to put it out, but the fire grew too quickly. Firefighters attacked the flames from the roof, but they had some trouble because the alley is very narrow.

"Typically we do not go into alleys with our equipment, but because of the location, we were able to get one engine company in there and feed hose to the building, which helped us out," said Fire Chief Larry Helms.

Alex and Jodi Boissy lived in the side of the duplex that caught fire.

"I was just running the sweeper, and heard a pop and smelled wires burning. When I looked at the TV, flames were shooting from behind it," said Jodi.

The family is in need of clothing. They have a 1-month-old girl that wears sizes newborn, 0-3; a 20-month-old boy, wearing 12-month-old pants, and 24-month old shirts; dad, wearing large to extra-large shirts, 32x30 pants and size 9½ shoe; and a mom wearing size 12 pants, extra-large shirts, and size 8 shoes.

Donations can be dropped off at 200 14th St., or Wheeling Fire Headquarters.

Officials said the cause appears to be accidental.