COLUMBUS – A fire in the Heron Cove Neighborhood of Columbus Tuesday afternoon caused more than $150,000 in damages to a home, tragically killing one family pet.
The Columbus Fire Department responded to the blaze in the 6100 block of Pelican Lane around 2:51 p.m. after a neighbor noticed smoke coming from the residence. Upon arrival, firefighters found smoke billowing from the garage and eaves of the home.
As firefighters began assessing the situation, the homeowner arrived on scene and informed rescue crews that two cats were still inside. The crews quickly moved into action, cutting a hole in the roof to vent out the hot gases and provide relief for the trapped smoke.
The firefighters encountered thick smoke, high heat, and zero visibility inside. They used thermal imaging cameras to locate the source of the fire and extinguished the small flames, but by then, the fire had already caused severe damage. Extreme heat had melted plastic surfaces, blistered cabinets, and caused significant smoke damage throughout the home.
Despite their efforts, firefighters discovered that one of the cats had succumbed to smoke inhalation. The second cat was found alive and was treated with oxygen by paramedics from Columbus Regional Hospital. The surviving cat was returned to the homeowners and is expected to recover.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with authorities looking into the circumstances surrounding the blaze.
At this time, no injuries have been reported among the residents or firefighters. However, the family is left to cope with the significant damage to their home and the loss of their pet.
