A fire this afternoon has displaced a family and their pets from their home in central Aurora.
Just before 4:30 p.m. Aurora Fire Rescue was called to reports of a home fire in the 18700 block of E. Hawaii Dr. Crews arriving on scene found heavy smoke and fire and began fire suppression and immediately searched for people and pets inside.
One person was evaluated and provided medical care by providers on scene. That person did not have life threatening injuries and was not transported to the hospital.
All people inside safely evacuated on their own with some of their pets, but crews continued searching until they found a missing cat who had not made it out. Medical providers started CPR and even provided oxygen to the cat using a specialized mask made for pets. Despite the best efforts of responders on scene the cat did not survive.
Damage to the home was extensive to both the interior and exterior of the structure. Aurora Fire Rescue contact partners at American Red Cross to provide shelter and emergency services for those who were displaced from their home as well as their two dogs. Fire investigators responded to the scene to conduct an origin and cause investigation. There are no early indications as to what started the blaze.
Aurora Fire Rescue reminds the community to take this opportunity to ensure that smoke alarms are working properly. Early warning of a fire is key to survival and having working smoke alarms can save lives.