Three cats and two guinea pigs have died in an east end bungalow fire that left a family of four safe but homeless. 

Hamilton Fire spokesperson Claudio Mostacci said firefighters believe an unattended candle in the basement caused the fire, which had fully engulfed the home when emergency crews arrived at 5:05 a.m.

All four occupants were able to get out, but their pets were left behind.

The home, a single story detached near Woodward Ave. and Brampton St., will need significant repairs, and Hamilton Fire has estimated the damage at $100,000.