COLUMBUS, Ind. – The Columbus Fire Department (CFD) responded to a residential fire in the 800 block of Reed St. early Wednesday, rescuing two people and eight pets.
Firefighters were summoned at approximately 8:15 a.m. to a residential fire with heavy flames showing, according to CFD’s Mike Wilson.
As crews were en route, reports indicated that the occupants of the apartment were trapped. Columbus firefighters arrived and were met by Columbus police officers, who told them that two adults were located in an upstairs window and that the only exit to the apartment was on fire.
CFD units deployed a portable ground ladder to the second-floor apartment window where firefighters aided an adult male and female out of the home and to an awaiting Columbus Regional Health emergency medical service. Both adults were uninjured and declined transport.
After crews extinguished the blaze, a search of the apartment was conducted, and firefighters located a total of three adult cats and five kittens. Each pet was removed from the apartment, received oxygen therapy, and reunited with the owners. All are doing well.
Damages to the second-floor apartment were extensive, with damage to the property and contents estimated at $90,000. The cause of the fire is under investigation.