Fire crews responded to multiple calls about a house fire on West Penn Street across from Emily Brittain Elementary School on Wednesday. When firefighters arrived, only smoke was seen from outside the home, but there was fire damage inside.

A couple driving down West Penn Street saw smoke Wednesday morning and took action.

Mandy and Leonard Williams were on their way to deliver Christmas hula hoops to children when they spotted smoke coming from the second story of 230 W. Penn St., across from Emily Brittain Elementary School.

“We just happened to look over,” Mandy Williams said.

“Smoke was coming out of the windows,” Leonard Williams said.

Mandy and Leonard knocked on the door, but no one responded. The couple found a way inside the home, spotting some smoke on the first floor.

Mandy said they found a dog, a mixed-breed named Sassy, hiding under the dining room table, but she seemed afraid of the strangers in her home.

“The dog wouldn't come out from under the table,” Leonard Williams said.

After quickly checking the second floor, which was flooded with smoke, the Williams exited the house and flagged down a few neighbors.

“It was all smoke, there was no floor space at all,” Mandy Williams said.

Together the group managed to evacuate the dog into the backyard before they were all asked by arriving firefighters to leave the home.

The Butler City Fire Department was in charge of the scene, with the VA Butler Fire Department assisting and Butler Ambulance standing by.

Butler City Fire Chief Christopher Switala confirmed that the fire started on the second floor.

“The cause is still under investigation,” Switala said.

When firefighters arrived, only smoke was seen from the outside of the home, but inside there was fire damage to the second floor and into the attic and extensive smoke damage to the second floor, according to Switala.

Part of West Penn Street between North Bluff and North Washington streets was blocked off for more than an hour.

Pam Booth, the homeowner, said she was in shock about the fire.

“I left this morning for work and thought everything was OK,” Booth said.

Booth said she spoke with the Williamses briefly before they left the scene, adding that she appreciated how quickly they contacted emergency services.

“I'm glad someone went by and saw it,” she said.

Booth said she was not sure of the extent of the damage from the fire, but that the house was insured.

Switala said the holidays can be a particularly busy time for fire crews.

“Test smoke alarms and make sure they are working,” Switala said. “Fire can happen in any neighborhood.”