Damages to the home of Eddie and Linda Akers were set at more than $60,000.

Baby, a Chihuahua described as therapeutic for the Akers' handicapped daughter Chelsea, died of smoke inhalation.

The fire was described as fierce.

"It melted everything above 3 feet," deputy fire chief Gary Locke said.

There was smoke rolling out of the home when firefighters arrived at about 1 p.m.

"I was afraid it might run on us," Locke said. "It didn't take us long to get it under control though."

The flames had sucked up all the oxygen inside the house.

"We only needed about 150 gallons of water," Locke said.

Baby was in a cage in the kitchen.

Locke said Linda Akers returned home to find the windows blackened by smoke. She tried to open the door to rescue Baby, but couldn't.

"It's probably lucky," Locke said. "The fire might have exploded out the door."

Locke said the Akers plan to replace their cuddly family pet as soon as possible.

Family members lost all their clothing and personal belongings to heat, smoke and water. Donations are being accepted by the Centerville Fire Department. The family is temporarily staying in a Richmond motel.

Damages to the structure were more than $10,000, Locke said. Damages to the contents were $50,000.

The clothes dryer was located in an alcove off the kitchen.

One Richmond fire company was called as back up for the Centerville department.

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