West Bloomfield House Could Be a 'Total Loss' After Fire

Homeowners were safe Thursday after escaping an early morning house fire which might have destroyed their home in West Bloomfield, according to the .

Inspector Byron Turnquist wrote in a release that the cause of the fire, reported about 3:06 a.m. at 1840 Elsie Dr., is under investigation.

"It could be a total loss," Turnquist said.

The homeowners were sleeping when they were awakened by smoke detectors and escaped with two pets. Their two ferrets died in the fire.

Firefighters were hampered by storms moving through the area and a lack of fire hydrants on the dirt road, according to the release.

The Commerce Township Fire Department and the White Lake Fire Department assisted with tankers for a water supply.