A family of five, as well as several pets were displaced Friday when the house they lived in caught fire.

A report came in just after noon of a structure fire at a residence on Laurel Street in the Village of Hauto, Nesquehoning. When crew arrived, smoke and flames were visible from the home.

John McArdle, Nesquehoning Hose Company fire chief, said the cause of the fire, which was confirmed by the state police fire marshal in Hazleton, was due to an electrical issue.

Fire crews from both Carbon and Schuylkill counties fought the fire until bringing it under control nearly an hour later, but the home is a complete loss, McArdle said.

Five dogs were rescued from the fire. Two were treated by Lehighton Ambulance and taken to Rush Veterinary for observation; while the other three are being helped with the assistance of Tom Connors, the county animal shelter director.

McArdle said in addition to the dogs, a lizard, turtle and fish were saved, but one cat perished in the blaze.

The family is being assisted by the Red Cross and Meeds Church.

McArdle said that firefighters were hampered in their initial response by a driving rainstorm that was moving through the area.

Multiple fire departments and borough police also assisted at the scene.

“It was an excellent response of firefighters from the borough as well as units from Carbon and Schuylkill counties, especially for a daytime fire when manpower is at its lowest,” McArdle said.