A family of five, including an infant and one dog escaped a fast moving fire about 4:00 a.m. Tuesday morning at 20 Columbia avenue.
Dispatchers received a call for a basement fire. When first responders arrived on location, they were faced with heavy smoke and flames at the rear of the structure. The residents were able to evacuate the two story home, but several pets did not make it out.
According to City Fire, residents believe a portable electric heater in the basement started the fire. Dogs were reportedly in the basement at the time of the fire.
After about 30 minutes, one dog wandered out of a smoke filled area at the side of the house looking for family. First responders attempted to capture the dog, but it ran away and started to go back inside the house, that is when family members called out to the dog and it was grabbed by a police officer on scene and given to the family.
Fire crews initially made an interior attack upon arrival, but had to go into a defensive mode due to manpower and fire conditions inside the home.
After regrouping, firefighters were able to locate the fire and get it under control about 6:30a.m.
Because the structure was over 100 years old and had balloon construction, fire traveled through the walls and up to the first and second floors.
Utility lines in the area prevented crews from making use of the ladder truck and cars parked in the driveway and fencing made getting to the fire difficult.
Once inside firefighters, ran into a lot of debris and things in the way.
The house is believed to be a total loss and the Red Cross and Salvation Army were called to assist the family of five who lost everything in the blaze.
Fire investigators will be on scene for most of the morning looking into the origin and cause of the fire.