The Scottsbluff Fire Department had an early call Sunday morning.
After arriving crews found smoke coming from inside the home.
The homeowner said everyone inside evacuated except two dogs who died from the smoke.
An improper hearth on a wood burning stove caused the fire.
The Scottsbluff Fire Department says the homeowner had lit the stove in the afternoon and came home to the blaze.
Crews arrived to the scene at 12:30 a.m., but stayed until 2:30 a.m. to put out hot spots.
Fire Prevention Officer Zeke Bowen reminds residents of fire safety tips.
"When it comes to your wood burning fireplaces, always make sure that you never leave a fire unattended and a big thing is you want to properly dispose of your ashes, by putting them in a container and possibly wetting them," Bowen said.
The fire cost $40,000 worth of damage.
