A fire that started in a home early Tuesday morning spread to a neighboring structure causing extensive damage to both but thankfully none of the occupants were injured.

    Officials with the Meridian Fire Department said at about 3:15 a.m. flames erupted in a home located at 2808 Ninth St. in Meridian. When firefighters arrived on the scene they found the home engulfed in smoke and flames. It was then the fire began to spread to the adjacent home.

    “We are still looking into the cause of this fire,” said MFD Chief Anthony Clayton. “Our fire investigators are still digging through all the debris so it might be a day or two before we can pin down the exact cause.”

    It was unclear how the occupants were alerted to the danger but fire officials agree early morning fires are the most dangerous because most people are asleep. Fire officials urge homeowners to check their smoke detectors to ensure the batteries are good and to test those detectors on a monthly basis.

    “Smoke detectors will save your life,” Clayton said.