Two pets die of smoke inhalation in house fire in Colchester; no humans injured

Two pets were killed in a house fire in Colchester on Saturday that required mutual aid from several area fire departments and left the home uninhabitable.

Firefighters responded to a reported structure fire on Elm Street shortly before 10 p.m. and found heavy fire from the garage going up the siding of the house and extending into the attic, according to the Colchester Fire Department .

Crews immediately deployed two hose lines and started knocking down the heavy fire from the exterior into the garage and second floor, with the second line focused on heavy fire in the attic that was extending to the second floor.

A third line was deployed in the rear of the residence to knock down heavy fire showing on the exterior of the home, according to fire officials.

The bulk of the fire was knocked down in about a half-hour, which was followed by extensive overhaul, officials said.

Crews removed two cats, two kittens and a dog from the home. The dog and one of the cats died of smoke inhalation, fire officials said. The kittens were reportedly doing well, while the other cat was taken to a veterinarian for medical treatment and was also doing well, according to fire officials.

No other injuries were reported.

The American Red Cross responded to assist the residents who were displaced from the home.

Colchester fire crews received mutual aid from the Bozrah Volunteer Fire Company,  Marlborough Volunteer Fire Department, Lebanon Volunteer Fire Department, Yantic Fire Engine Company #1, Gardner Lake Volunteer Fire Company, East Hampton Volunteer Fire Department and the Hebron and East Haddam Fire Departments.

The fire is being investigated by the Colchester Fire Marshal’s Office.