By Steve Beck, Al Novack, Dray Clark

COLLINGSWOOD, N.J. (CBS) – A Camden County family was able to safely escape a fast-moving house fire early Friday morning, but unfortunately their family pet did not make it out alive.

The fire started at about 3 a.m. in the 400 block of Harrison Avenue in Collingswood, New Jersey.

When firefighters arrived, they encountered heavy smoke and flames billowing from the home. At one point, firefighters were forced to move away from the home due to the fast-moving flames.

Strong winds also made it difficult for firefighters to battle the blaze. It took firefighters approximately an hour to place the fire under control.

Fire officials say the family living inside the home was able to make it out safely, but their dog was killed in the fire.

The fire chief says the home is a total loss.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.