MINT HILL, N.C. — Firefighters are investigating what caused a massive fire at a home in a Mint Hill neighborhood early Monday morning.
The blaze started around 7:30 a.m. on Grey Timbers Court, which is off Highway 218 and east of Interstate 485.
When firefighters got to the area, they said they saw heavy fire and smoke coming through the roof of the home.
Firefighters who spoke to Channel 9 said it wasn’t just the fire they were battling -- it was the heat and humidity. That played a major role in getting the fire contained.
Crews had to limit their force by rotating teams and taking breaks using MEDIC’s mass casualty bus to cool down.
[ ALSO READ: Unattended fire pit blamed for $200K in damages to Ballantyne home ]
The fire grew so intense, crews said they burned through their oxygen tanks. MEDIC also took a Mint Hill firefighter to the hospital after debris fell on him, but he is expected to be OK.
Departments from Union and Cabarrus counties as well as Charlotte, Matthews and Midland all responded to the blaze. They said it took about five hours to get it under control.
While the home is likely a total loss, the three people who were home at the time were able to get out safely with their three dogs.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.
(WATCH: 2 rescued from early morning house fire in northeast Charlotte)
This browser does not support the video element.