Montgomery County (web|news) fire officials say a barking dog alerted residents that their house was on fire, allowing them to escape without injuries.

Authorities say 75 firefighters battled the two-alarm blaze, which began about 1:30 a.m. Monday on Lake Potomac Drive. Damage is estimated at about $1.2 million. 

» listen to the 911 call

Two residents and a guest were asleep in the two-story brick home when the family's dog, Jet, began barking shortly before the home's smoke detectors went off.

At first, they were admittedly annoyed. "Lately, Jet's been deciding he wants more company. So at first, we thought it was just another bark."

But Jet was louder than normal, so Steve Kelber got up to see what was happening. The minute he arrived at the stairs, he saw smoke. Jet's barking beat the smoke alarms by minutes. "There's no way of knowing in recreating, who would want to, but the fireman suggested the 2-3 minutes were critical."

The worst of the damage came from the garage. Not much is left of three family vehicles, but Steve Kelber says the home can be rebuilt with plenty of space reserved for Jet. "The house is covered and we're alive. You can't ask for more than that."

Rebuilding the home could take a year. In the meantime, Jet had a more immediate reward as the family treated him to a huge cheeseburger as thanks for his barking. 

Fire department spokesman Pete Piringer says the fire started in the garage; the cause remains under investigation.