HIRAM — At least four dogs and an unknown number of puppies perished in a blaze that destroyed a home on Durgin Town Road on Friday night, according to Fire Chief James Siracuse.

The family of seven who resides there was not home at the time of the fire, he said.

Firefighters were dispatched to the scene about 9:12 p.m., he said Saturday.

Flames could be seen on the first floor of the home, which appeared to be about 30 percent engaged when firefighters arrived, according to Siracuse.

The state fire marshal’s office is investigating the cause of the blaze.

Firefighters from Sebago, Denmark, Brownfield, Kezar Falls, Cornish, Limington, Baldwin and Freedom, New Hampshire, were called in to assist.