Not much remains after a fire burned through this garage at 1122 Lawndale in Niles Wednesday morning. Leader photo/CRAIG HAUPERT

A Niles family is picking up the pieces after fire destroyed the home they were staying in early Wednesday morning.

Niles Charter Township Fire Chief Gary Brovold said the fire started in the attached garage of a rental property at 1122 Lawndale at around 2:45 a.m.

Scott Clifford, one of four people in the home at the time of the fire, smelled smoke and woke up everyone.

The family was able to escape without injury along with their two dogs. However, two cats died in the fire.

Brovold said the fire stopped at the kitchen, but the house will likely be a total loss due to damage from heat, smoke and water.

The fire also damaged four vehicles and a motorcycle. There is some heat damage to the home next door at 1118 Lawndale.

Also in the home were Pam Reygaert (Clifford’s girlfriend), Robert Horbath (Reygaert’s son) and Brendan Clifford (Scott’s son).

Reygaert said they lost most of their belongings.

Brovold said the cause of the fire is undetermined at this time.

Niles City Fire provided mutual aid to Niles Charter Township.

No one was injured in the fire.