Fire officials said the family dog saved a homeowner from a fire in Runnemede Friday morning.
RUNNEMEDE -- The borough fire department is reminding residents to make sure the smoke detectors in their homes are working after a homeowner narrowly escaped from a fire Friday morning.
Firefighters were called to the unit block of South Read Avenue at 2 a.m. for reports of a fire.
Fire officials said the homeowner was alerted to the fire by the family dog, and after seeing smoke, he was able to get out and call 9-1-1. No injuries to firefighters, civilians or pets were reported.
When firefighters arrived, they found heavy smoke coming from the basement.
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The fire was under control in about 40 minutes and remains under investigation by the Camden County Fire Investigation Unit and the Runnemede Fire Marshal's Office.
By the next morning, the home's windows had already been boarded up and some fire damage was visible near the front door.
Fire officials urged residents to maintain their home's smoke detectors by making sure to regularly test them and change the batteries.
Alex Young may be reached at ayoung@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @AlexYoungSJT. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.