BATON ROUGE - Firefighters were called to two house fires within a few blocks of each other early Sunday morning. The fires were reported within minutes of each other, with both families inside and asleep at the time.

The house fire on Gracie Street was later determined to be arson, according to the Baton Rouge Fire Department.

According to BRFD, firefighters were called to the 2100 block of Gracie Street just before 5:30 a.m.

Firefighters arrived at the scene to find smoke coming from the front of the house.

The fire was started in the rear of the home while the family was asleep inside, according to BRFD.

Everyone was able to get out of the home safely. Red Cross was also called to assist the family.

Another house fire on Edgewood Drive was reported just minutes before the house fire on Gracie Street.

According to BRFD, firefighters were called to the 2500 block of Edgewood Drive at 5:25 a.m.

The fire was started on the front porch while the family was inside asleep, according to BRFD.

The family was able to get out safely. The house received heavy fire and smoke damage.

Red Cross was also called to assist the family.

Anyone with information in regard to these house fires is asked to contact Baton Rouge Fire Department Arson Investigators at 225-354-1419.