JACKSON TWP — An overheated dryer in an upstairs laundry room apparently ignited a fire Wednesday night that forced a family of three to flee their home in the 200 block of Magill Road, authorities said.

William and Vicky Gass along with their granddaughter got out safely, but their two-story house had about $45,000 in damage. The home is insured.

The state police fire marshal’s office was to begin an investigation this afternoon. But the fire appeared to be nothing but an accident, said Neal Nanna, chief of the Harmony Fire District.

The likely cause, he suspected, was a lint-clogged vent to the electric dryer.

The family was downstairs about 9 p.m. when Vicky Gass went upstairs to check on the laundry.

“She found the dryer on fire,” Nanna said.

William Gass tried to put out the fire with buckets of water. The family quickly called 911 and got out of the house.

Jackson Township police were first to arrive and noticed heavy smoke coming from the structure. The thick smoke had filled the home by the time the initial fire engine got there.

An attack crew wasted little time getting inside and up the stairs.

The quick action kept the fire contained to the second floor, which includes three bedrooms and a bathroom, and the attic.

The fire was under control in 45 minutes, Nanna said.

“The house is repairable,” he added.

About 35 firefighters battled the blaze. Assisting the Harmony Fire District were the Adams Area Fire District and the Callery Volunteer Fire Department.

Firefighters were called back shortly before midnight when the fire rekindled.

The night finally ended for weary fire crews at about 3 a.m. today.

The Gass family spent the night with nearby relatives, authorities said.

Nanna noted the Gasses are surrounded by family who live in several homes on a large farm.

Neighbors said the fire was the first one they have had in the neighborhood in decades.

Next-door neighbor Mary Kozar said it was the first one she has seen in her 50 years there, and she said the Gass family is good friends of theirs.

“I was asleep at the time, and my husband wakes me up and says there’s lights outside,” Kozar said.

She said she saw flames and smoke bellow out the house’s back window.

“You’re just wondering ‘Are they OK?’” Kozar said.

Another neighbor who asked to remain anonymous also said it was the first fire he has seen in years.

The family will be staying with their daughter in Evans City, neighbors said.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with them,” Kozar said. “If there’s any way we can help, we will.”

A cat was rescued from the burning home.

Eagle staff writer Amerigo Allegretto contributed to this report.