ELWOOD, Neb. – Authorities say two houses at Johnson Lake are likely a total loss from a fire on Saturday.

The Gosper County Sheriff's Office says first responders were dispatched to Mallard Beach, on the west side of Johnson Lake around 1:20 a.m. to reports of a fire. 

Authorities say the fire engulfed one house, and spread to a neighboring house due to the intensity of the fire.

Our partners at KSNB Local 4 and 10/11 NOW report both houses were occupied at the time of the fire.

Three people sustained minor injuries and were taken to a local hospital. The family dog of the first household died due to the fire.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the State Fire Marshal's Office.

Elwood Fire and Rescue assisted with the fire response.