FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, Ind. - Firefighters had to dodge live rounds of ammunition while fighting a house fire on the city's southeast side late Wednesday.

Just before 10:30 p.m. at a home in the 7800 block of Ithaca Way, ammunition stored in the home's garage began exploding, Indianapolis Fire Department crews said.

The family of four and their pets escaped unharmed, but the bullets stored in the garage created dangerous conditions for firefighters who had to take cover while battling the blaze.

IFD crews said it took crews nearly 45 minutes to douse the flames.  The homeowners were left with nearly $250,000 in damages, officials said.

Investigators said the fire remained under investigation.