ST. JOSEPH — At 4:43 a.m. Friday, the City of St. Joseph Fire Department was alerted by dispatch of a house fire at 2527 Lakeview Ave. While enroute, firefighters received an on-scene update that the home was fully involved.
Fire crews arrived on scene at 4:47 under the command of Capt. Aaron Filippo to find heavy fire conditions from the second floor of the structure.
Mutual aid was requested from off-duty crews. Benton Harbor Fire Department, Benton Township Fire Department and Medic 1 stood by on scene.
Fire Crews were able to contain the fire to the second level living quarters of the residence through interior firefighting methods.
The four occupants escaped to the outside after being alerted by a working smoke detector.
Two family pets were rescued from the structure, one being revived by firefighters with the use of supplied oxygen and donated pet rescue masks.
No occupants or firefighters sustained any injuries.
Firefighters cleared the scene at 6:30 a.m.
The fire remains under investigation.
Estimated loss to building is approximately $70,000 and contents at approximately $20,000. The homeowner did have insurance on the residence.