Firefighters work the scene of a house fire Wednesday on Nick Davis Road in Athens.

The cause of a Wednesday fire that gutted a home on Nick Davis Road in Athens remains under investigation, an official said.

Athens Fire & Rescue Chief Bryan Thornton said there is some evidence to suggest the fire may have started in the garage of the home, but added the city’s fire marshall would make the final determination.

Everyone in the home escaped safely, but two dogs perished in the fire, Thornton confirmed.

Clifton Kirby, a building inspector and reserve police officer, helped get a teenager who was asleep in the basement to safety. The home was a total loss.

The home belonged to Nathan Metzger and his family. Metzger is an employee of Cubic – GATR, a Huntsville company that manufactures inflatable satellites. In an effort to help Metzger’s family, the company started a gofundme account, which had raised $26,881 by 3 p.m. Friday. The goal was to raise $20,000 by June 19.

“Through your selfless generosity, we have reached our initial goal in only 14 hours,” said an update posted Thursday by Cubic employee Rob Evans. “The outpouring of encouragement, compassion and support is overwhelming. As a new day dawns, this family in need feels the love of the friends, coworkers and community who have surrounded them.”

To donate, visit https://bit.ly/2wL7fT6.