Multiple fire crews responded to a structure fire near East 24th and Perry streets around 12:30 p.m. on July 2, battling heavy flames and challenging heat conditions for more than an hour.
According to first responders at the scene, heavy fire was coming from the attic of a two-story building when crews arrived. Firefighters quickly began an aggressive attack to keep the flames from spreading through the structure.
Officials said several animals were believed to be inside the building at the time of the fire. One animal was successfully rescued, while the whereabouts of the remaining animals were not immediately known.
After approximately an hour of firefighting efforts, crews were able to bring the blaze under control. However, the intense summer heat added another layer of difficulty for firefighters working on the scene.
During the response, one firefighter was transported to a local hospital for possible heat exhaustion, but this is not yet confirmed.
Firefighters took frequent breaks throughout the incident to prevent heat-related illnesses and maintain safety as temperatures climbed.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. No other injuries were immediately reported, and officials have not yet released information regarding the extent of damage to the building. Several animals were reported in the home and only one had been recovered.
Authorities are expected to provide additional details as the investigation continues.