Firefighters in St Joseph made quick work of a house fire Friday afternoon, but were not in time to save a pet chihuahua, which perished in the fire.

The fire was reported at about one p.m. at 1520 Fifth Avenue.

Fire crews entered the house through the basement, and checked exterior access to an attic for possible hidden hot spots. The fire produced heavy smoke but the structure of the house remained intact.

The cause of the fire, and the extent of damage are still under investigation.