This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

A man and his dog are homeless after fire destroyed their Provo house early Friday morning.

The blaze at 1509 S. State Street erupted shortly after midnight. By the time firefighters from Provo and neighboring Orem arrived, the home was billowing smoke and flames 30-40 feet high.

Provo Fire Battalion Chief Jeremy Headman reported no injuries to either the homeowner — who was alerted to the fire by a passer-by — or responding crew members.

The home, however, was believed a total loss.

The cause of the fire was under investigation, but it was believed to have begun in a backyard shed and an electrical problem was suspected.

Twitter: @remims