One Newton County man’s dog proved he really was man’s best friend, when his incessant barking helped save his owner from a fire in his bedroom early Thursday morning.

Firefighters were called to a home fire in the Settler’s Grove neighborhood just after midnight. Because of the neighborhood’s location, both county and city firefighters responded, with city getting there first. Covington firefighters reported heavy flames in the master bedroom (including the bathroom and closet in that room) and the attic area directly above it. 

According to Deputy Chief Kevin O’Brien with the Newton County Fire Service, the homeowner was asleep in the master bedroom when the fire started. His dog barking helped rouse the man and he started coughing, which helped him wake up. Many times, the smoke from a serious fire can cause occupants to pass out in their sleep before they can escape, O’Brien said. The man attempted to douse the flames with a pan of water, but was unsuccessful. He fled the house with his dog.

The cause of the fire is still unknown, but O’Brien says it does not appear to be suspicious in any way. The home, which is valued at roughly $100,000 sustained approximately $25,000 to $35,000 worth of damage. The home had water and smoke damage throughout, but the fire damage was contained to the master bedroom and the roof.