Three people have been taken to hospital after escaping an early morning fire that destroyed a house in Coquitlam.

Coquitlam deputy fire chief Rod Gill said the fire broke out in the rear of the house in the 2300-block of Dawes Hill Road shortly after 4 a.m. 

Seven people escaped the blaze, but three were taken to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation.

Gill said the fire spread to two neighbouring houses, both of which have some exterior damage. In total, 17 people were evacuated from three houses. 

Victim services is helping them with their immediate needs while they are out of their homes, Gill added.

Fire investigators have arrived on scene, but Gill said it’s too early to know the cause. 

The roof of the house that caught fire has collapsed, and as of 6:30 a.m., firefighters were still working to put out hot spots.