Battalion Chief Jason Patrick of the Roanoke Rapids Fire Department said firefighters were dispatched to 1731 Powell Street in South Rosemary around 3 a.m. on a possible kitchen fire call.

Dispatchers reported heavy fire and smoke coming from the north side of the house. When firefighters arrived they found about 50 percent of the house engulfed.

The woman got out safely after her dog began barking, Patrick said. “I'm pretty sure the dog may have heard something out of the ordinary. There were no working smoke detectors in the house. She's fortunate the dog woke her up.”

The woman got out of the house and went to a neighbor's to call for help.

Firefighters had the fire out within five minutes. Patrick said with damage from the fire, heat and smoke the house, as well as contents, will most likely be declared a total loss.

The American Red Cross responded to help the woman with temporary living arrangements.

It is unclear what caused the fire, although Patrick said it appeared to have started around the area of the refrigerator.

Seven on-duty firefighters responded along with nine off-duty. Law enforcement, EMS and the Roanoke Valley Rescue Squad also responded.