NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- A Westmoreland family is getting a fresh start this year, but it's not the kind anyone would ever want.

Video: New Year's Fire Destroys Home

Around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, as the family was preparing to celebrate, their home went up in flames, and almost everything they owned was burned.

Stephen Schools spent the first day of 2009 combing his yard, salvaging bits and pieces of his life.

"I had about 605 DVDs," he said.

Among the charred television set and other personal belongings were a few precious items that made it out, like Schools' military uniform and medals -- things that can never be replaced.

Schools got out of the shower to find his living room on fire. With his wife and five kids at a friend's house, the only thing left was to save the family dog.

"I'm very thankful," said Schools. "We're blessed that they were gone last night because if they would have been there, well, who knows. If we would have been in bed, if all of us would've been in bed, maybe it would have been a different story."

Neighbors and family spent the day helping secure what little is left. Despite the great loss, they're still counting their blessings.

"I thank the Lord that the kids are all OK, and everybody was out of it," said Bob Schools, Stephen's father. "Stephen got out safe, and nobody was hurt. The house can be replaced."

A fund is being set up Friday at the Macon County Bank to help the family get back on its feet.