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Shortly before 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 4, members of the LaVale Volunteer Fire Department were called to a Rye Street home to investigate a basement fire that had broken out unexpectedly, according to the Maryland State Fire Marshal.
A team of 50 firefighters were able to swiftly knock down the flames, but not before five cats and four guinea pigs perished inside the home.
Officials say that the homeowner and residents of the residence returned home and heard smoke alarms sounding, with heavy smoke throughout the home, prompting a call to 911.
It caused an estimated $10,000 in damage.
The fire marshal says that they were able to determine that the fire started in the basement, though the cause remains under investigation.
According to the fire marshal, the American Red Cross has been contacted and is assisting the owner and residents following the incident.
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