DUNKIRK — An early morning fire at 29 N. Ermine St. in the city damaged a home and claimed the lives of two family pets.

The Dunkirk Fire Department reports it was dispatched at 1:15 a.m. Upon arrival crews found flames coming from a first-floor window. The residents of the house reported they discovered the fire and the family was evacuated.

Crews advanced a hose line into the first floor and found heavy fire in the back portion of the home. The fire was extinguished quickly and contained to the first floor. Heavy smoke damage was reported throughout the house.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. There were no injuries.

The Red Cross has been called to assist the family.

Assistance from the East Dunkirk Fire Department was called mutual aid and Alstar ambulance was on stand by at the scene.