UPDATE 12/13/2012 3:46 p.m.: The fire marshal surveyed $150,000 in smoke, water and other damage to the home. The fire appears to have started in a shop attached to the garage, but the cause is still under investigation. Firefighters rescued the family’s cat from the house and administered oxygen until it was revived.

Smoke detectors alerted a Bonney Lake family to an early morning fire Thursday. Firefighters from East Pierce Fire and Rescue arrived at the single story, three-bedroom home on the 17600 block of 49th Street East just after 4 a.m. to find flames coming from the garage and swiftly moving into the home.

Additional engines were called to assist in what became a tough fire to fight. Metal roofing made the fire difficult to access. Firefighters had to strip the roof from the house to battle the blaze. Crews remained on scene well into the morning putting out hot spots.

Fire officials report no injuries to the residents or firefighters. A family pet, that was originally reported missing, was found alive and well.

Pierce County fire marshals are investigating the cause of the fire.

Firefighters credit smoke detectors with helping to get the family out of the house safety. “Most people don’t realize how fast fires move,” says East Pierce Lieutenant Dan Curtis. “Once it gets going, fire more than doubles in size every minute and the smoke is just as deadly. The increased use of plastic and synthetic products in home construction means today’s fires burn hotter than even ten years ago.”

East Pierce officials recommend installing smoke detectors on every level of a home, including the basement. There should also be a smoke alarm in, or just outside of, every bedroom. “Most fatal fires occur at night. The idea is to make sure your alarm is close enough to wake you in case of a fire,” Curtis said.