Investigators are trying to determine if a space heater caused a house fire in Niles that left the residents homeless.

Flames were reported in the dining room of a house on West First Street shortly after 3:30 a.m. Thursday.

Firefighters quickly had the flames under control.

However, the damage inside is so extensive the home is being boarded up.

The four adults and four children living a the home escaped unharmed. Three of the children are under the age of two.

The Red Cross is being contacted to help find shelter and other needs for the residents.