Dodge Center home destroyed by fire Monday afternoon

(ABC 6 News) UPDATE- A Dodge Center home is likely a total loss after a fire Monday afternoon .

Fire crews were called to 600 block of 3rd Street SE after several callers reported a house fire. Upon arrival, deputies could see heavy black smoke rolling from the roof and back of the home. They observed neighbors trying to extinguish the flames with garden hoses.

The house was vacant at the time. However, there was a dog that was able to get our and 4 cats, who were administered O2 in the Dodge Center Ambulance and were ok.

According to the Dodge County Sheriff’s office, the home owner and his brother were working at a local business at the time, returned home and said they had been smoking on the deck on their lunch break.

Officials say the fire is believed to have started from the deck area. The Red Cross was also requested to assist the two brothers.

Kasson Fire Department, Dodge Center Fire Department and Dodge Center ambulance and the State Fire Marshall also assisted on scene.

The house is likely a total loss due to the extent of the fire damage.