House fire kills 9 cats

Firefighters save 2 cats, 9 die in fire

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Orange County Firefighters were called to the Sand Lake Hills subdivision at 7:01 a.m. Saturday after 9-1-1 Dispatchers received a call from the homeowner reporting a fire in the living room.

Officials said fire crews arrived at 8301 Tansy Drive and found flames coming from the 1,800 square foot home.

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After ensuring the homeowner had safely escaped from the home, firefighters began an aggressive attack of the fire, officials said.

Firefighters said one person and 11 cats lived in the home.

Firefighters were able to rescue two cats from the home and treated them for smoke inhalation using a pet mask prior to returning them to their owner, but nine others did not survive, officials said.

Firefighters said the homeowner was alerted by a smoke detector in the home.

The American Red Cross will assist the homeowner with temporary lodging.

Animal Services will assist the homeowner with the two surviving cats, officials said.

There were no reports of injury to firefighters or civilians.

The cause of the fire is not immediately known. The State Fire Marshal will conduct an investigation to determine the cause.