Family's U-Haul catches fire while moving to Lake Los Angeles

LAKE LOS ANGELES, Calif. (KABC) -- A family moving from Tennessee to Southern California had a nightmare of a trip after all their belongings went up in flames along with their U-Haul.

The Smiths, who were moving to Lake Los Angeles, said they were traveling along El Mirage Road in Adelanto on Sunday when their U-Hual began experiencing problems.

Scott Smith was driving the U-Haul, while his wife, Stephanie Smith, was following behind in the family vehicle with their two daughters, ages 6 and 15.

The Smiths said their U-Haul blew an oil line and a serviceman came out and made repairs to the vehicle.

The couple said they pointed out that there was spilled oil, but said the serviceman ensured them the U-Haul was OK to be driven.

They traveled less than two miles down the road when they said the U-Haul went up in flames.

"We got less than two miles down the road and it started pouring smoke and something blew up, it was shooting up all down the sides," Scott Smith recalled. "No time to grab anything. I just had to jump, grab the dogs, and jump. By the time I turned around the whole cab was on fire."

The fire engulfed the U-Haul, destroying all the family's possessions, including guns and ammunition that were inside.

"Everything that was in our house that we have bought together, made together, you know, our kids, it's all their stuff," Stephanie Smith said. "I was grateful no one got hurt. That was my main concern. Yes, it was all of our stuff, all of our belongings, but I'd rather have my family than materials."

Friends and family of the Smiths started a GoFundMe account to help them replace what they lost, and the family was also hopeful that U-Haul's insurance would help pay for the damage.

If you'd like to learn how to help the Smiths, click here.