A Canton Township house suffered extensive damage Sunday night as the result of a fire that sent billowing clouds of smoke into the nighttime sky.

The home's residents were not injured, however, the family's dog perished in the blaze.

"The homeowner came home and saw smoke inside the structure as soon as he opened the door," said Canton Township Deputy Fire Director Chris Stoecklein. "He immediately shut the door and called us.

"Initially, our crews went inside to attack the fire, however, by the time we got there, the upper floors were already giving way, which is pretty common with new construction. We usually have 10 minutes once the fire starts and the fire had started much sooner than 10 minutes from the time our crews arrived."

The family's dog, a Goldendoodle, was removed from the upstairs of the home, Stoecklein said, adding that it appeared to die from smoke inhalation.

Canton Township firefighters arrived at the scene of the fire, 50678 Federal Blvd., at approximately 6:30 p.m. Emergency personnel were still at the scene of the fire at 11 p.m.

Stoecklein said it appears the fire started in the basement. 

"The cause of the fire is not suspicious in nature at this time," said Stoecklein.

The house is located in a subdivision west of Denton Road and north of Geddes Road.

Contact reporter Ed Wright at eawright@hometownlife.com or 517-375-1113.