CLEVELAND -- One of only two people who survived the deadliest house fire in Cleveland history just broke his silence.

In an exclusive interview with 5 On Your Side crime beat specialist Joe Pagonakis, survivor Teon Smith talked for the first time about the tragic blaze that left eight children and a mother dead.

When asked what he would say to the person who started the fire, Smith said, "You have to answer to God, bottom line. It's not about jail, it's not about the electric chair. You have deal with God."

Smith talked about escaping from the basement of the home on East 87th Street during the May 21 blaze.

Smith and Caprita Bell, who suffered major burns, were the only two that survived the arson fire.

Eight children, ages 7 to 15, were killed, along with 33-year-old Madeia Carter.

The case so far is unsolved. Bell is still not taking questions from reporters, but Smith broke his silence at a vigil Monday night marking six months since the fatal arson fire occurred.

Pagonakis asked Smith if he knew of any disputes within the family, but Smith said the family was a loving family and there were no problems.

"There was nothing wrong in this family … it's a loving family … they believed in the Lord. Don't ever get that twisted, believe that," said Smith.

Smith told NewsChannel5 he remembers little about his escape from the smoke and flames. Smith said that it's going to come to light who committed this crime, and that that person will have to pay.

Anyone with information about the East 87th Street fire should call Crime Stoppers at (216) 252-7463.

A tip leading to an arrest in this case could earn the tipster a reward of up to $25,000.