An early morning house fire has destroyed a home off US 96 South of Center.

Center Firemen responded to a 9-1-1 call to the Gene Kirkley residence on FM 417 West in the Cleaver Creek community and found the home fully engulfed in flames just before 3 a.m. Wednesday.

The home’s occupant, Joyce Kirkley was able to exit the home and make it to her son Richard’s residence next door to summon help. She was uninjured.

Shelbyville firemen were called to assist with water back-up. Cause of that blaze is not known.