Fire fighters believe a heat lamp used to prevent water pipes from freezing may have sparked a fire that severely damaged a home on Sanford Road early Sunday morning. Nobody was injured in the blaze, and the family dog made it out OK as well.

Fire fighters were called to the scene around 1:30 a.m. When they arrived, they found both the rear first and second floors ablaze, and were told that while everyone had gotten out of the home safely, the family dog, a golden retriever, might still be on the second floor.

Fire fighters attempted to knock the fire down from the outside while they advanced a hand line inside, looking for the dog. Despite the active fire and heavy smoke, the dog was located, semi-conscious, on the second floor. Together, Capt. Bruce Martin and fire fighter Steven Tabares carried the pet out and into the backyard, where fire fighters and Westport police officers administered oxygen with a special mask designed for animals.

"Within minutes the dog became more alert and was soon able to stand on all fours," said Deputy Chief Daniel Baldwin, who said the dog was taken to the vet. "We expect he will make a full recovery."

The fire drew responders from across the region. Westport brought two engines, the deputy chief, and on- and off-duty fire fighters. An engine company from Tiverton responded to provide additional manpower, while Dartmouth Fire District 3 and Little Compton Fire provided tankers. Dartmouth Fire District 2 covered Station 1 until crews were back in service around 6 a.m. Rehab was provided by members of the Westport Emergency Management Special Services division.

Deputy Chief Baldwin said the home's occupants were alerted to the fire by their smoke detector, and "we remind all residents that working smoke detectors save lives. Test your detectors regularly and replace the batteries often."

This is the second house fire Westport has responded to over the past week.