Hillsborough County, Fla. (WFLA) — A married couple lost their home early Monday morning after a fire tore through the residence they had shared for nearly three years.

Flames broke out at about 1:30 a.m. on the 600 block of Jerry Smith Road, leaving behind only debris and charred rubble.

“It was three years of blood, sweat and tears kind of gone,” said homeowner Christian Michener. “Everything we’ve ever owned, even before the house and during … everything,” Madeline Stubbs, Michener’s wife added.

Stubbs, said she was awake when she first heard a thud, followed moments later by the sound of glass breaking. 

At first, she thought someone was breaking into the home. She woke Michener, and together they kicked opened their bedroom door to see flames spreading.

“We just see flames coming into the living room, part of our house, through the big window of the porch,” Stubbs said.

The fire consumed the home, where Michener had proposed to Stubbs on the day they closed. 

The couple said they are now facing heavy costs.

“It’s going to be very expensive,” Michener said. “In addition to paying the mortgage, we’re going to have to pay for temporary housing.”

Stubbs has launched a GoFundMe to help cover expenses. 

She said the support of their community has given them hope as they work toward rebuilding.

“I know for a fact that people are so good,” Stubbs said. “The more that our story reaches more people, the more we could be able to rebuild and be back to where we were, if not even better.”

The couple said the fire started on the deck in front of the house however, the cause remains under investigation. 

8 On Your Side reached out to Hillsborough County Fire Rescue for additional information and are waiting to hear back. 

To access the couple’s GoFundMe, click here.