Firefighters say fast thinking by a resident likely kept an early morning fire confined to a garage.

At 4:00 a.m. Monday morning, Hillsboro Fire was dispatched to a residence at 141 NE 40th Avenue.

A resident at the home told firefighters he smelled smoke, but couldn’t immediately locate the source.

As he opened the garage door, black smoke came into the home. He quickly closed the door and got his family and pets outside.

When firefighters arrived, they saw heavy black smoke pouring out of the garage and roof eaves.

Firefighters made a quick entry into the garage, and located and extinguished the fire. Firefighters searched the house and confirmed that both residents and their two dogs were safe.

A fire investigator is working to determine the cause of the fire.

Hillsboro Fire & Rescue reminds you that working smoke alarms save lives. It’s recommended that one be placed in each bedroom and one on each floor of your home.

Remember, once you are safely out of your home, stay out and call 911 from a safe place outside the home.