A fire has left two families without a place to live after a blaze damaged a large single-story home on Darraugh Lane in Sparrow Bush Saturday morning.

Officials say someone inside the home called 911 shortly before 10 a.m. Five adults and four small children were inside when the fire broke out. According to neighbors, one family owns the home and the other rents part of it.

Sparrow Bush Engine Company Chief Carl Van Horn said the first firefighter encountered “heavy black smoke coming out of the front side of the house. Then the smoke turned to heavy flames coming out of the bedroom window.”

Van Horn says a dog and a rabbit had to be rescued, and everyone inside got out safely after the first firefighter arrived.

Nearly 40 firefighters from several area departments responded, and crews were able to knock down the fire in about 10 minutes. The cause remains under investigation.

Neighbors say the displaced families need clothes and blankets. The Red Cross is assisting both families.