MARTIN, Mich. — Two dogs were reportedly killed in a house fire Monday in Martin.
Neighbor Su Johnson told 13 ON YOUR SIDE that nobody was home at the time of the fire.
The neighbor said the homeowners were out for a doctor's appointment. When they returned they found the home on fire.
"Before any of the fire department got here it was totally engulfed," said Johnson.
Five fire departments responded to assist in putting the fire out. Authorities say when firefighters arrived, the home was nearing collapse. They then worked to extinguish the fire during heavy winds and snowy conditions.
Authorities say the home is a total loss.
"They lost everything, including their pets," Johnson said.
Johnson explained that the home was a 200-year-old farmhouse and that the family had put a lot of work into it. She said they had also just listed the house for sale.
The family of four is now working with the Red Cross.
"Our department's thoughts and prayers are with the family during this tragic ordeal so close to the holiday season," said Martin Township Fire Chief Kurt Knight in a statement.
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