An accidental fire broke out Monday morning at the home of Nathan and Carissa Miller on Mountain Road in Upper Fairfield Township, extensively damaging the property. The fire started here in the kitchen at the back of the house. PHIL HOLMES/Sun-Gazette

Nathan and Carissa Miller, who are expecting their first child in August, were not in the house at 1998 Mountain Road when the fire was discovered by a passerby about 10:15 a.m.

However, their 3-year-old lab, Georgia, was in the house and died in the fire.

Carissa Miller was at work and her husband was next door, working at his father’s business, Miller Automotive, when a customer en route to the shop, told them the home was on fire.

Nathan Miller and his father ran to the house and tried desperately to get to the dog.

“We opened all the doors, screaming for her, but she wasn’t coming out,” Miller said.

“We started to bust windows,” he said, but efforts to get Georgia to come out were unsuccessful.

The dog was later found in a bedroom, Miller said.

“When we saw the back of the house, it was pretty much on fire. The whole roof was smoking,” he said.

Miller and his father went in and emptied six fire extinguishers in an attempt to contain the fire. Garden hoses also were used.

“We got all the hoses and fire extinguishers from the garage next door. We did our best. We really thought that by the time they (firefighters) got out here, (the whole house would be gone), he said.

The closest fire house, located in Montoursville, is 16 miles away.

Miller, who is also employed at Lycoming Engines, suffered a cut on his right hand and was treated at the scene.

Besides Montoursville, firefighters from Picture Rocks, Eldred Township, Loyalsock Township, Williamsport, Pennsdale, Hughesville and Muncy Area all responded.

The bulk of the fire was knocked down in 30 minutes.

Cpl. Nicholas Loffredo, a state police fire marshal, arrived on the scene and determined the fire was accidental and started in the kitchen. He suspected that the insurance company will rule the house, built in 2018, a total loss.

Miller and his wife are staying with relatives