GALLERY: Two people, dog survive Sault Michigan fire

Firefighters in Sault Michigan battled a fire early this morning and credit working smoke alarms for saving the lives of the two residents and their dog.

The call came in around 1:40 a.m. after the residents woke to the smoke alarms.

When firefighters arrived a few minutes later at the Dawson Street location, they saw flames and smoke coming from the rented house.

Fire Chief Ed Miller says while there is extensive damage to the structure, he says the call could have been a lot worse.

"If this family didn't have smoke alarms that woke them up to alert them to the fire, it would have been a different situation, totally. Smoke alarms are needed. They do work. They need to be checked because they are like any other tool we have. We need to take care of them. They will save your life," Miller said.

Due to the nature of the fire, all off-duty fire personnel were called in.

The fire appeared to have started in or near the attached garage, Miller added, however, a cause has not yet been determined.