Firefighters in Gilbert went on the defensive during a huge, early-morning house fire on Tuesday.
Crews responded to the home near Elliot and Higley roads around 2 a.m., where they found flames burning through the roof.
Because the fire was so powerful and because the home is so large, it took some time to get the fire under control safely. In fact, flames kicked back up several hours into the fire fight.
The home is said to be a total loss.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported. A family of four was sleeping inside at the time, but smelled smoke and escaped without harm.
At this time the cause of the fire is under investigation.
