A house fire in the 5600 block of East Baker Street displaced a resident Sunday morning, with three cats passing away in the fire as well.
A neighbor called 9-1-1 reporting smoke from the house and what appeared to be water coming from the front door.
The first Tucson Fire engine arrived on scene and confirmed smoke from the eaves as well as multiple doors of the house. The crew pulled a hose line into the front door after forcing it open to search for the fire and ensure all occupants were out. The Ladder Company arrived on scene and attempted to control the utilities to the home but had to proceed cautiously as there were two large dogs in the back yard.
The dogs were okay and allowed our crews access to shut down the utilities.
The interior crew located the fire in the kitchen area of the home and extinguished the flames. During the course of the search of the home, three cats were located but had passed away.
Animal Control was contacted to assist the resident in dealing with the deceased animals. Nine units and twenty-three firefighters responded to the scene and controlled the fire 9 minutes after arriving. Red Cross responded to assist the resident, a male in his 50’s.
Fire investigators are still working to determine the cause and origin of the fire though the heavy fire damage appeared to be in the kitchen area. Building Safety/Code Enforcement was also on scene and the house was to be condemned due to the damage.