The fire began in the basement of the Charles Street home in Metuchen shortly before 3:30 p.m., responders said.
Firefighters made quick work of the flames in the basement, but the fire spread up the walls, they said. No serious injuries were immediately reported.
A couple who owns the home lost their cat and all their belongings in a Jan. 22 fire that began on the front porch and destroyed the house.
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