A North Bellmore homeowner escaped with her pets and not much else after a fast-moving fire ripped through her home Tuesday evening.

Susan Gunnerson, who lived in the home for more than 20 years, was forced to watch as her house went up in smoke and flames. She, her three dogs, cat and two birds got out safely. The pets were the only ones inside when the fire broke out.

Fire officials believe the blaze began in the attic just before 6 p.m. They say it spread quickly and was difficult to fight. At least seven departments from the area were at the scene and able to get a handle on the flames.

Commissioner Timothy Greene, of the North Bellmore Fire Department, says boxes in the house and narrow hallways made the flames hard to fight.

North Bellmore residents reported seeing the flames from far away.

The Red Cross is stepping in to help Gunnerson and her pets by paying for a hotel room and giving her money for food and clothing.