COLUMBUS, Ind. — Columbus firefighters were able to save two pets when responding to a residential fire in the 1500 block of Sycamore Street at 6:34 a.m. today.
When firefighters arrived at 1509 Sycamore St., they found flames shooting from the rear of the structure of the single-story home, and two adult occupants who had left the building, said Capt. Mike Wilson, Columbus Fire Department spokesman.
As crews began to battle the blaze, the occupants advised firefighters that two of their four cats were believed to still be inside the home.
Crews attacked the flames from the rear of the home, which significantly reduced visible fire at the exterior of the rental property, Wilson said. Additional firefighters moved into the interior through the front door to attack hot spots, searching for hidden fire and to search for the pets.
Firefighters were successful in locating the missing cats and reuniting them with their owners.
Due to the damages caused by fire and smoke, the occupants are displaced from the rental home. The Salvation Army is providing emergency shelter support at this time.
Investigators have determined that the fire originated at the rear of the home, but the exact cause is still under investigation. Damages to the home are estimated at $ 10,000 for structure and contents. No injuries were reported at the scene.
Agencies that assisted at the scene include the Columbus Police Department , Columbus Regional Health EMS, Columbus City Utilities , Duke Energy, Vectren Energy and the Salvation Army.
The Columbus Fire Department reminds Columbus residents that working smoke alarms and a fire escape plan are two important considerations for fire and life safety in the home. Each home should have at least one working smoke on every level of the home. It is also important that smoke alarms be installed near or in sleeping rooms. Each family should also create and practice a residential fire escape plan specific to your home. Elements of this plan should include identifying two ways out of each room, such as a door and a window. The plan should also include an evacuation location outside the home where all family members will meet and stay after safely escaping the home. Parents should also talk to children about the importance of crawling below the superheated and toxic smoke. Smoke can build quickly in a residential fire, so children and adults should learn to “Get Low and Go” to the nearest exit.
