Barking dog alerts residents to NJ house fire, they escape

BEACHWOOD, N.J. (AP) -- Authorities say a barking dog alerted residents about a fire in a New Jersey home, allowing them to safely escape.

The fire in Beachwood started around 2 a.m. Monday in a second-floor room. The dog began barking even before the home's smoke detectors went off, awaking the four people inside.

Firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control in about 20 minutes. The cause remains under investigation.

No injuries were reported in the fire. The dog also escaped unharmed.

Further details about the animal, including its breed, were not disclosed.