SAN JOSE (CBS SF) - Four residents have been sent to the hospital following a blaze that broke out at their single-story home early Tuesday morning, a San Jose fire captain said.

At about 1:25 a.m., firefighters were dispatched to the 5000 block of Great Oaks Drive on reports of a fire, San Jose fire Capt. Michael Van Elgort said.

More than 30 firefighters arrived at the scene and found heavy black smoke pouring from the kitchen of the home, according to Van Elgort.

Four residents were evacuated and transported to a local hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation, Van Elgort said.

Prior to the victims' transport to the hospital, San Jose police assisted in the response and prevented a man from reentering the smoldering home to locate his family members, Van Elgort added.

"The other family members were already evacuated," Van Elgort said. "Had he reentered, it would have caused him further harm. It's a common cause of injury."

"The San Jose Police Department did a good service."

Two pets were found and removed from the burning home as well, but firefighters are still searching for a thrid, Van Elgort said.

Van Elgort said that firefighters were able to knock down the flames within 20 minutes.

The damage is estimated to be $30,000, Van Elgort said.

The cause of the fire remained under investigation. Van Elgort said that the Red Cross was responding and planned to pick up the residents at the hospital.

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