A family of four is starting the new year with no place to live after a fire destroyed their home.

The fire happened near Catalpa Lane and Basil Court just before 11 p.m. Monday in east El Paso. 

Some neighbors said the flames were so large, they thought the house would explode.

"It was pretty intense. We were worried that it might go to the next door neighbor's house," said Joe Atilano

Firefighters told KFOX14 no one was inside the home at the time of the fire, the family was out celebrating the new year.

"I was afraid that the house was going to blow up," said Cindy Atilano. "Knowing that it was in the garage and that it spread to the van, I was afraid that something was going to blow up."

Fire officials said the fire presented challenges for firefighters.

"The fact that nobody was home made it difficult to get in to fight the fire," said El Paso Fire Deputy Chief Chris Celaya. "They had to remove the garage door and they had to force their way into the house itself."

Neighbors said one teenager suffered cuts to his hands after breaking a window trying to make sure no one was inside.

"He was attended to by our paramedics and refused treatment and transport," said Celaya.

Fire officials said the fire began in the attic with most of the damage done to the garage. A van inside the garage also caught fire. The cause of the fire is undetermined.

The total amount of damage is estimated at $50,000, fire officials said.

Within 30 minutes, firefighters were able to put the fire out.

Neighbors were thankful no one was seriously hurt on this New Year's Eve.

"I feel bad for them because they are not going to be able to sleep there tonight," said Atilano

Fire officials said the family rents the home, and they are being helped by the Red Cross until they can find a permanent place to live.