No injuries were reported on Sunday following the outbreak of an early morning fire which destroyed a Dunnellon home.

The family who lives at 5454 W. Cougar Lane - Damen Bolinger and Rainy Arrowood and their two children - was not home at the time the fire broke out, Citrus County Fire Services Chief Larry Morabito said on Sunday.

Fire crews were dispatched at 12:28 a.m., and the first fire engine arrived 19 minutes later to the fully involved, single-family wood frame residence. Due to the severity of the fire, the incident commander ordered a defensive attack. Additional engines from Homosassa, Rock Crusher Road, Pine Ridge and Kensington Avenue fire stations provided additional equipment and staff.

The Citrus Springs station and the Crystal River Volunteer Fire Department responded with tankers for additional water supply. The fire was contained to the original structure.

Fire Chief Morabito said that a neighbor, Todd Eckerd, was told by a neighbor about the fire and entered the burning residence to rescue two dogs.

The residence was totally destroyed by the fire. The estimated value of the structure was $49,000 and the contents were estimated at $24,000. It is unknown if the residence was insured. The American Red Cross was contacted to provide assistance to the residents.

No injuries were reported. The dogs were being cared for by a neighbor.

All fire units left the fire scene approximately two hours later.