FRYEBURG — A family of three and their two dogs made it out of their burning home safely Sunday morning but the house was a total loss, said Fryeburg Fire Chief Andrew Dufresne.

A 2½ story home at 1095 Main St., Fryeburg was destroyed after a fire that started before 6:35 a.m. in the basement spread up to the attic before the family noticed, Dufresne said. 

He said the home was fully involved when he made it to the scene, but all three occupants and their two dogs were evacuated safely. 

“It was 29 below this morning in Fryeburg, it was a very difficult morning,” Dufresne said. The lines and trucks were freezing, and he said “everything took two to three times longer than normal” because of that. 

He said the cold exposure was also difficult for the firefighters on scene. 

The cause remains undetermined due to the extensive fire damage, but Dufresne said it did not seem suspicious. 

Approximately 15,000 gallons of water were used to knock down the fire using two hydrants close to the home. 

Five mutual aid towns assisted Fryeburg, and the scene was cleared by 2 p.m. Sunday. 

The American Red Cross is assisting the family with housing.