STEWARD — Investigators are working to figure out what caused a fire that destroyed a home in Steward late Saturday.

Fire crews were called to the scene around 9:30 p.m. to the single-family two-story structure located at 111 Miller Street. Rochelle Fire Chief Dave Sawlsville said the neighbor noticed the fire and called for help.

The couple living at the residence was not home at the time.

“When Steward crews arrived there was already heavy fire and heavy smoke. The first arriving officer reported the second floor windows blowing out,” Sawlsville said. “The fire had already gotten a head start, most concentrating toward the back of the house.”

Three dogs and a cat died as a result.

Preliminary indications point to the fire being electrical in nature. Sawlsville said the homeowners reported having issues with their electrical system.

Damages are estimated to be over $150,000.

Crews from Rochelle, Steward, Creston and Hillcrest were on the scene for more than four hours into early Sunday morning.