No humans were injured but two cats died in a fire that damaged one unit at Gilbert Street Apartments Saturday afternoon.
West Knox firefighters were paged to the scene on Moore Hill just after 3 p.m.
“There was smoke coming out of the windows and eves,” said West Knox Fire Chief Daryl Baker.
Baker said firefighters made entry through the front door and ran a hose to the bedroom to reach the fire.
“About 50 percent of the room was on fire,” Baker said. “It had mostly smothered itself out.”
Baker said it took firefighters about five minutes to knock down the blaze and an additional 90 minutes to insure it was extinguished.
Fire damage was contained to the bedroom. However there was smoke damage throughout and into the two adjoining units.
Baker said neither of the two occupants were home when the fire started. However, their two cats were trapped inside and died from smoke inhalation.
“They were not burnt in any way,” Baker said of the cats.
Baker said the cause of the fire is unknown.
“There was nothing suspicious,” Baker said when asked about possible arson.
“The insurance company will investigate it.”
The building housed six units.
Baker said residents in the other five units were able to return to their homes that day.
Firefighters contacted the Red Cross about assistance for the two affected residents.
