The Russellville-Lohman and Cole County fire protection districts responded to a house fire in Russellville on Thursday afternoon.
The family of three was not at home during the fire, and no one was hurt. Three dogs at the residence were outside at the time and were also uninjured.
A neighbor called 911 at 3:08 p.m. after noticing from outside the house at 12713 Brush Creek Road was on fire. The structure was engulfed by the time firefighters arrived.
Mitchell Ott, assistant fire chief with the Russellville-Lohman Fire Protection District, said extinguishing the flames was a "defensive fight," followed by knocking down what was left of the damaged structure. Four fire trucks responded.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, pending an inspection by the fire marshal at the homeowners' request. Bill Blochberger, a neighbor, was one of the first people to see the house fire. He said the back door and middle of the home were in flames when he arrived.
Friends and family of the homeowners were on scene to show support. Dana Ferguson, who lived in the home with her husband and daughter, said she was thankful no one was injured and everything can be replaced.
"I'm a little distraught," she said.
The Red Cross has been called to assist, and the homeowners plan to stay with family.