WASHINGTON TWP —Six people including three children were left homeless this afternoon after fire erupted at their trailer home on Route 38, authorities said.

No one was home and there were no injuries. The state police fire marshal’s office is investigating what started the fire in the living room.

The names of the occupants were not known.

The family was returning home about noon when they noticed smoke coming from the roof of the single-wide trailer, said Ryan Enscoe, assistant chief for the North Washington Volunteer Fire Department.

“They opened the door and a lot of smoke came out and they retreated,” Enscoe said.

About 10 firefighters from North Washington and West Sunbury got there and quickly put out the blaze.

“It was extinguished,” Enscoe said, “probably within 10 minutes of our arrival.” Crews used less than 50 gallons of water.

It was initially believed the fire started in the living room couch but that report was not immediately confirmed, authorities said.

The structure sustained minor fire damage and the contents sustained heavy smoke damage.

The Butler chapter of the American Red Cross is helping the victims with emergency needs including housing.