An early Monday morning fire in Walthourville has displaced three people.

According to Nick Maxwell from the Walthourville Fire and Rescue Department, the fire began shortly before 1 a.m. on the 100 block of Martin Court.

Maxwell said firefighters from the Walthourville Fire Department were dispatched initially to the area when the homeowner called 911 to report his neighbors may have been burning trash and smoke was entering his home.

When firefighters arrived, they observed smoke and flames coming from the home, which according to Maxwell was 30 to 40 percent engulfed in flames. The homeowner got out of the residence safely with his family.

A ladder unit from the Hinesville Fire Department had to be dispatched to assist in fighting the fire due to an iron fence and ditch which made it difficult for fire trucks to get closer to the residence.

Units from the Long County Fire and Rescue also assisted in fighting the fire, which heavily damaged the garage and kitchen area of the home.

The cause of the fire has not been officially identified and is under investigation.

The Red Cross has been called in to assist the family.