BRIDGEWATER, N.S. -- Four people lost their home in rural Nova Scotia when a fire spread quickly through the residence Tuesday.

The Canadian Red Cross says a woman and pet dog managed to get out of the home in Midville Branch, about 10 kilometres northwest of Bridgewater.

They say her husband and two teenage children were not home when the fire started at around 1:30 p.m.

The Red Cross arranged temporary lodging for the family.

Fire officials are investigating, but say the blaze appears to have started in the basement.