The home was flaming when firefighters arrived just after 1 p.m.
Panama City Assistant Chief Gary Swearingen said firefighters attempted a “quick interior attack” but retreated after flames started to surround them.
“They weren’t trapped,” Swearingen said. “Fire did come around behind them.”
Dorothy Agyei was returning home to get her purse to buy cigarettes when she saw her home on fire.
“When I came back to get my purse, I saw the side engulfed in flames,” Agyei said.
Neighbors said it was amazing that Drama, one of Agyei’s two pit bulls, was in the home as it burned, but firefighters were able to get the dog out. Drama seemed in good health. Get Right, the other pit bull who also goes by G, was in the yard and was not hurt.
The home was about 75 percent damaged, but the property inside was destroyed. It was not clear what caused the fire Wednesday, Swearingen said at the scene.
The fire is under investigation by the Fire Department, the Panama City Police Department and the State Fire Marshal’s Office, Battalion Chief Larry Leonard said in a press release.
The Red Cross had been called to the scene to assist Agyei.