By Associated Press - Thursday, January 15, 2015

GAYVILLE, S.D. (AP) - A dog that died in a house fire in southeastern South Dakota is credited with saving the family in the home.

Officials say the pet’s barking woke the seven sleeping family members in the home near Gayville about 5 a.m. Wednesday. The two adults and five children escaped to safety, but the dog died in the fire.

Assistant Fire Chief Lonny Lee says there were no working smoke detectors in the home.



The fire destroyed the two-story house. The cause was not immediately determined.

The Red Cross says it is helping the family members, who are staying with relatives and neighbors.

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