A family’s dog alerted them to a fire early Friday morning, allowing them to safely escape.

>> Read more trending news

The dog, named Sammy, started barking around 1 a.m., awakening her owners, allowing the five people inside to get out uninjured, Savannah Fire Rescue said.

Two cats and another dog died in the flames

Investigators believe the blaze was sparked by a faulty deep freezer.

"I would encourage everyone this time of the year to make sure their smoke detectors are working at all times, but smoke detectors are a vital part of making sure you are able to get out of the structure in time," Ira Harper, Savannah Fire battalion chief, told WGAL.

About the Author

Featured

Ceudy Gutierrez reads a book to her 2-year-old son, Matias, at their home in Buford, GA, on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. Ceudy Gutierrez is struggling to make ends meet for herself and her three young kids following her husband’s ICE arrest earlier this fall. (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez