DANVILLE, Va. – A Danville family escaped unharmed from their burning home Wednesday afternoon but their pet dog died in the blaze.

Crews responded to 114 Freeze Road at 5:00 pm. Crews arrived two minutes later and found a small, single-story house with heavy fire extending from the home onto the carport. Firefighters had the blaze under control in less than a half-hour but the house sustained fire, smoke, heat and water damage.

The Danville Fire Department responded with three engines, a ladder truck, and eighteen firefighters who remained on scene for almost four hours.

The house was heavily damaged and the family is being assisted by the American Red Cross.

The cause is under investigation by the Danville Fire Marshal’s office.

Photo: Rodney Eugene Barnett