Fire crews were called just after 9:30 a.m. to a home on East Allegheny Street.

No one was home at the time, but three cats and a puppy were unable to escape the flames.

Fire officials were investigating the cause, but said an electric heater in the living room could have sparked the blaze. They said it took them longer than anticipated to put out the fire because the crews were short-handed. Three fire departments had crews answering other calls.

"We're not even into winter yet, but if this is a sign of what's to come because of high fuel prices, it's going to be a long winter," said Martinsburg Fire Chief Randy Acker.

Fire officials are urging people who may be using electric heaters or space heaters to heat their homes this winter to be extra careful.

They said people need to follow the directions, keeping heaters away from furnishings and drapes. They also said people need to make sure they're not covering the chord with a rug or piling clothing around it.