LARGO, Md. — Sage that was left burning on a piece of cardboard unattended is what caused a fire at an apartment complex in Largo, Maryland Monday night, according to the Prince George's County Fire Department Office of the Fire Marshal.
Around 7 p.m. on Monday, PGFD units were called to the Northampton Apartment Homes on Harry S. Truman Drive.
Godlove and Elizabeth Nkosu, had just left to get a part to fix their car. As they drove back home towards their apartment they saw the emergency crews.
"I was like that is our apartment," said Godlove.
He and his wife, who is 30 weeks pregnant, watched in horror as flames took over their home as well as their neighbors' homes.
PGFD said a dog had to be treated for smoke inhalation, and given oxygen. They said no one else was hurt.
However, the Red Cross of the National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region said that nearly 20 families have turned to them for help after the fire.
The Nkosu's told WUSA9 they lost everything that was inside their home.
"Everything is termed destroyed, so we have nothing," said Godlove.
"I just started crying because we had already bought some stuff for the baby. It's like we starting all over," said Elizabeth through tears.
Godlove is in the Airforce Reserves and said his uniforms were among the items they lost.
While both are devastated by the destruction, they told WUSA9 they're grateful no one was seriously hurt or killed.
"I don't want to say we don't have a life because other people are in worse situations. We just thank God that we are alive," said Godlove.
His wife agreed. "It's teaching us to refocus our attention to what is important because sometimes we hold so much to material things but in the blink of an eye it can go just like that," she said.
There's a GoFundMe page now up and running for them. To donate click here.
All Red Cross assistance is free and those with disaster-caused needs should call 1-800-Red Cross for support.