Four escape Lake Zurich fire

A Lake Zurich house sustained massive damage late Thursday by a fire that likely started in a dryer, authorities said.

The fire was reported at 6:17 p.m. at 576 Applegate Lane. Smoke poured from the roof and garage when firefighters arrived, the Lake Zurich fire department said.

Four residents were home at the time of the fire. Two were treated for minor smoke inhalation but did not require care at a hospital, firefighters said.

Three pets -- two cats and a dog -- died after they were unable to escape.

The blaze was extinguished quickly but not before causing massive damage to the first floor of the home, which was deemed uninhabitable, firefighters said.

An damage estimate was unavailable. Fire investigators remained at the scene at 10 p.m.

The Long Grove, Barrington, Wauconda and Lincolnshire fire departments took part in battling the blaze.