MASSENA -- An explosion did not spark a fire that damaged a house at 38 Pine St. late Wednesday morning, nor did anything blow up while it was burning, despite earlier reports to the contrary.

“What we think the explosion was the natural progression of a fire … like a flashover, it will blow the windows out from the heat,” Massena Fire Chief Ted Krywanczyk said, adding there were no propane tanks or natural gas. “That happens quite often in structure fires.”

Early Wednesday afternoon, Massena Police Sgt. Adam Love said they had responded to a report of a fire and explosion.

Krywanczyk said it ignited in the laundry area, but officials haven’t figured out how.

“Still haven’t made a determination. We’re waiting to see if there’s recalls on any of the appliances,” he said.

The fire chief said two dogs died as a result of the fire, but after it was knocked down, firefighters saved the family’s Christmas presents.

“After we knocked the fire down, we could see a lot of wrapped presents there. We thought it would be a good idea to get them out so they don’t get ruined from the water,” Krywanczyk said. “At least they can have a little bit of a Christmas.”

The building was occupied by Greg Baxter, his girlfriend and two children, the fire chief said.