JOHNS ISLAND, S.C. (WCBD) – A large fire destroyed a home off Dunwick Drive in Charleston over the weekend.

Officials with the Charleston Fire Department said 9-1-1 received multiple calls regarding a residential fire shortly before 5:00 a.m. Sunday morning. They said the occupants were alerted to the fire when their smoke alarms activated.

Fire was initially found in the garage. One occupant tried to control the flames with a fire extinguisher, but the fire became “too involved,” according to Charleston Fire.

Several emergency crews arrived to find a heavy fire on the front side of the two-story, single-family dwelling. Reports noted the ‘unsafe condition’ of the building. 

Although everyone inside the home made it out, an occupant reportedly re-entered the home to search for a missing dog but was pushed out due to heat and smoke. That person was later evaluated for smoke inhalation and then taken to a local hospital as a precautionary measure. 

According to CFD, the fire had spread to the homes on either side of the initial fire and to three vehicles in the driveway.  

Surrounding homes were evacuated due to the large flames; however, Charleston firefighters controlled the fire before it could cause severe damage to other structures. 

Investigators from the Fire Marshal Division responded to the scene and are reviewing the incident.  

The fire displaced seven occupants.  

Two dogs were in the home at the time of the incident, one escaped and the location of the second is currently unknown.  

UPDATE: Charleston Fire officials said the missing dog has been located

The American Red Cross has been requested for aid.  

Investigators would like to encourage anyone with photos or videos to send them to CFDmedia@charleston-sc.gov to help with the investigation.