'It was very scary.' Neighbors describe scene as Raleigh home goes up in flames

Fire crews arrived around 4:30 p.m. after several neighbors called 911 to report a house up in flames.

"At first I saw smoke coming out from right here and then that’s when I saw the fire and it was very scary,” a neighbor and witness remarked.

Heavy smoke billowed out of the roof of the home, contributing to severe traffic backups in the area. Raleigh Fire Battalion Chief Daniel Gardner says no one was home except for two dogs.

“No injuries, everyone is safe," Gardner said. "We ended up having to come out of the house, too, because of the fire and the roof collapse.”

Officials tell WRAL the fire has been determined an accident but that the house is a complete loss. The family spent the rest of their afternoon gathering whatever belongings were left.

"It was very sad," the neighbor said. "We will keep them in our prayers we will be praying for them and be praying for their house.”

The good news: the two dogs that were inside were safely rescued.