PITTSFIELD — A local family is homeless after a fire ripped through their house while they were away Sunday afternoon.

The home, at 670 Canaan Road, off U.S. Route 2, was owned by Harvey and Paula Elderkin, according to Pittsfield Fire Chief Bernard Williams. He said they have four children and would be staying with a relative.

No one was injured during the fire, Williams said.

A passerby reported the blaze at 2:50 p.m. Fire crews responding came from Pittsfield, Canaan, Hartland, St. Albans, Newport and Detroit, for a total of about 40 firefighters.

“Upon arrival, there was heavy smoke and fire showing on three sides of the house,” Williams said. “It had a big start before anybody saw it.”

Crews had the most of the fire doused a half-hour later, but remained on scene until about 5:30 p.m.

Williams said the home is a “total loss,” including all of the family’s possessions, although an attached garage was spared from the flames. The house is insured, he said.

The cause of the fire is unknown, and the state Fire Marshal’s Office was contacted to investigate, Williams said.

“I have no idea how it started,” Williams said. “All I know is it wasn’t a woodstove; they don’t have one.”

The Elderkins had several animals at home, including three dogs that were outside and rabbits in cages, none of which were harmed. A single chicken perished during the fire, he said.