The smoke alarms started going off, but it wasn't until a pit bull started barking that her family woke up and discovered a fire in the basement of their Alexandria home.
The fire, which started close to 1 a.m. Saturday morning in the two-story duplex at 37 South Gordon Street, started inside the dryer vent, according to officials. It was spreading inside a wall behind the washer and dryer when a plastic water line ruptured and partly put the blaze out.
The family said that it was their pit bull, Jasmine, who alerted them to the fire.
Damage to the home is estimated at $20,000. Alexandria fire department workers installed new smoke alarms in the home.
The family and Jasmine have made plans to stay with family and friends.
