PASCO -- A Pasco family was burned out of their home Sunday evening when a fire started in an attic area that had been converted to a bedroom, officials said.

When Pasco firefighters arrived at 1011 W. Park St., flames were coming through the roof on the back side of the house, said Capt. Pat Henrickson. No one was home at the time, but fire crews were able to safely get a small dog out of the home.

"It was an attic fire, so it's just difficult to get it open from above," Henrickson said.

A floor was put down in the converted room over the first-floor ceiling, which helped contain the flames a little but also meant firefighters had to break through the ceiling and floor to get access.

It took about 45 minutes to contain the blaze, which was reported at 5:50 p.m. Pasco firefighters were helped by crews from Kennewick Fire Department, Benton Fire District 1 and Franklin Fire District 3.

The cause remains under investigation, but the attic bedroom appears to have sustained most of the damage, Henrickson said.

Four adults and four children were living in the 1,316-square-foot home that was built in 1945. The Benton Franklin Chapter of the American Red Cross was called to assist the family.

About two hours after the fire was reported, Pasco crews remained on scene working to salvage some Christmas items, a TV and other valuables for the family.

"It's kind of tough to have it right at Christmas," Henrickson said. "But hopefully we can get them some help."