A family of six was displaced early Thursday as a fire ignited in the living room of their residence on Walnut Street in Brownwood, according to Fire Marshal Buddy Preston.

Brownwood Fire Department was called to the residence at approximately 12:40am.  The fire was contained mostly in the living room, but caused smoke damage through the house.

According to Preston, the family was able to escape the fire; however the mother who has asthma was transported to the hospital due to the smoke causing her breathing difficulty.  The father suffered burns to his fingers and hands as he tried to move things, according to Preston.

The family with four small girls were given shelter at a local hotel by the Red Cross.