All five residents of a North Bay home were able to escape to safety with their dog after a fire broke out in the basement kitchen early Friday morning.
Firefighters from all three stations were called to the Third Avenue West home just before 5 a.m., said Greg Saunders, the North Bay Fire and Emergency Services deputy chief.
The warning provided by the working smoke detectors allowed the occupants to evacuate quickly, he said.
Firefighters extinguished the blaze that caused significant damage estimated to be around $80,000.
"This fire is another example that properly located, properly maintained smoke alarms can provide you with the necessary warning to safely evacuate your residence in a fire emergency," Saunders said.
"Please take a moment to make certain that the alarms in your residence are less than 10 years old, working properly and equipped with a battery that is less than one year old. This effort may save the lives of you and your loved ones."