Seventeen dogs have died in a house fire according to Brookfield Fire officials.

The fire happened just before 5 p.m. at a single story home on the 6700 block of Stewart Sharon Road.

Crews from Brookfield and mutual aid from Vienna, Hubbard, Sharon and Fowler fire departments arrived and worked to stop the flames from completely destroying the building.

Officials say the fire began in the basement and worked its way to the first floor. While the home was heavily damaged, crews say the family should still be able to salvage most of their belongings from the home.

The Ohio State Fire Marshall's Office is investigating the cause of the fire.

The homeowners were not home during the fire.