JEFFERSON TWP — A faulty wood burner in the basement may have sparked a Tuesday night blaze that destroyed a family’s two-story house in the 400 block of Saxonburg Road, authorities said.

A couple and their four children were home but got out safely. Two pet dogs — a pair of older golden retrievers — perished in the fire, along with four cats.

The state police fire marshal has been called to investigate but the blaze is believed to be accidental.

“I’m leaning toward a problem with the flue on the wood burner,” Chief Chris Ballina of the Saxonburg Volunteer Fire Company said this morning of the possible cause.

However, Ballina did not rule out that a power surge, caused when a transformer blew out less than one mile down the road in neighboring Summit Township, may have sparked the blaze.

Patrick Rodgers discovered the fire after he went into the main floor bathroom shortly after 11:30 p.m.

“He smelled what he thought was something electrical burning,” Ballina said. “Then he saw smoke coming through the floor.”

Rodgers alerted his wife and children, ages 10, 13, 15 and 17, and they all got out.

Before long, flames had taken over the house. By the time the first fire crew arrived, an interior attack was ruled out.

Neighbor Holly Mead said this morning the children stayed in her house while firefighters battled the blaze.

Damage to the house and contents is estimated at $90,000, authorities said. The home is insured.

Assisting the Saxonburg VFC were firefighters from Herman, Penn Township, Winfield and South Butler.

Authorities said the family is staying with relatives.