Fire investigators say an electrical malfunction was to blame for a blaze that destroyed a South Salt Lake home earlier this week.

South Salt Lake Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Bowman said Thursday that an apparent short or power surge in an electrical panel, located in a shed adjacent to the home at 477 E. Scott Ave. (3460 South), appeared to have ignited the fire late Wednesday morning.

A family of four living at the home, along with its two dogs, escaped unharmed, but their home is considered a total loss, Bowman said.

A 911 call came in at 11:56 a.m. Wednesday. Crews arrived four minutes later but the structure — along with an adjacent shed and carport — was already fully involved in flames.

The family was staying with friends in the aftermath of the blaze.

remims@sltrib.com

Twitter: @remims