DUNLAP — A family of three lost their home at 24099 Himebaugh Ave. to a house fire Tuesday morning.

A woman, who was the only person in the residence when the fire broke out at about 9 a.m., was hospitalized for smoke inhalation, said Concord Township Deputy Chief Don Marsell.

Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire, which started at the porch and spread through the back area.

Jefferson and Harrison Township fire departments assisted at the scene. The fire departments broke through the roof to avoid an extension of the fire to the attic and to let smoke out. They then proceeded to take some possessions out.

The damage, which was initially estimated to be between $20,000 and $30,000, was severe and the house is not habitable, according to local Red Cross authorities.

Though the cause of the fire is still unknown, emergency services coordinator for the Elkhart County Red Cross Doug Farwald advised residents to always take basic steps to reduce any fire risk.

“Once the weather becomes pleasant and people turn off their heaters, too many think the risk of fire has passed,” he said “Unfortunately, incidents like this show us that anyone can suffer a fire at any time.”