SPRINGFIELD TWP, Ohio -- Fire officials are crediting a family pet with saving six people from a burning home Sunday afternoon.

Authorities said the fire broke out just after 3 p.m. Sunday at a home in the 2700 block of May St. in Springfield Township.

Fire official Michael Meyers said, "He [the homeowner] was sleeping when he was awoken by his dog, and he woke up and there was heavy black smoke in the house."

Authorities said with the dog's help, the man, his wife, and four children escaped the home and called 911. By the time crews arrived, fire officials said the home was fully involved.

It took crews over an hour to knock down the blaze. Officials said, "The inside of the home is pretty much a total loss, but the structure is still standing."

Fire officials said they believed a cigarette was to blame for the blaze. The Red Cross is assisting the family.