NILES A Niles family of five and their dog escaped uninjured after a fire broke out in their Taft Avenue home early Wednesday.

The father awoke around 2 a.m. to a smell he initially mistook for a skunk, according to the Niles Fire Department. Investigating, he discovered smoke and crackling flames toward the back of the house.

He immediately called 911, and the two adults, three children, and their dog were able to evacuate safely.

Niles firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, which was largely contained within the walls. The back patio, porch roof, and garage attic sustained fire damage, while the rest of the home had smoke and water damage.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, but authorities have stated that it does not appear to be malicious.