PASCO -- Smoke alarms are being credited with helping a Pasco family to escape injury during an early-morning fire.

The rental home at 1503 W. Marie St. had major damage from the blaze that began in the basement and spread to the attic of the 1,194-square-foot home.

The fire was called in at 5:30 a.m. Friday, and Pasco police officers were able to give firefighters a good idea of what they would be facing, said Pasco fire Capt. Don Donais.

"When we first arrived on scene, we had fire blowing out of the east and west end of the basement," Donais said.

Donais said he believes the smoke alarms sounding "had a significant effect on helping the family get out on time."

Five or six people, including children, were home at the time.

"One report was Mom woke up to feed an infant and she noticed the smoke alarms were going off," Donais said. "I don't know if the alarms woke her up or just mother instinct."

Firefighters made a defensive attack on the blaze and cut holes into the roof and first floor to get ventilation to the basement, Donais said. Once most of the fire was knocked down, crews were able to go inside.

The fire was contained at 7:15 a.m.

Cold weather and stagnant air did not allow the smoke to lift and posed challenges for firefighters, Donais said.

Crews from Franklin Fire District 3 and the Kennewick Fire Department assisted Pasco firefighters.

The residents are being helped by Red Cross and also have friends and family in the area, Donais said.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but Donais said it does not appear to be suspicious.