HOUSTON -- A family escaped from their burning northeast Houston home on Wednesday, KPRC Local 2 reported.

Houston firefighters found a home engulfed in flames on Abernathy Street near Quitman Street when they arrived at about 4:45 a.m.

A couple and their five children were inside the house when the fire started. They escaped from the inferno without injury.

Tamika said the flames and smoke did not tip her off to the fire.

"There was just something telling me to get up, get up," homeowner Tamika Newhouse said. "When I opened my eyes I seen the fire and I started yelling fire. The first thing I thought about was getting my five kids out of there."

The fire started in the front room of the home, where an air conditioner was recently installed.

"One of the concerns that we have is that you should have it (an air conditioner) serviced by a reputable service provider," Chief Rick Flanagan said. "They can come in and certify that everything is functioning OK with your system."

Firefighters said they had a difficult time battling the blaze because there were many things in the front yard and the nearest hydrant was down the street.

"It looks real bad and I'm just thanking God that we made it out alive," Newhouse said.

The home was destroyed. Officials said the structure would have to be torn down because it is not safe.

While crews were putting out hotspots, several emaciated dogs were found in the back yard. Animal control officials went to the home to get the dogs.

Newhouse said the dogs belong to a friend.