SEBASTIAN — A man and woman were displaced after a fire ignited in their home Friday afternoon, officials said. The pair were not hurt, but two family cats died in the blaze, Indian River County Fire Chief David Johnson said.
Indian River County Fire Rescue crews responded to the blaze at 12:48 p.m. at the single-family residence in the 800 block of Dolores Street. The man and woman evacuated the home before fire rescue crews arrived.
The fire caused heavy flame and smoke damage to the residence and garage, though it was unclear where the fire began. The heat caused gas cans in the garage to explode, Johnson said.
The garage roof was engulfed as flames spread throughout the home. Firefighters extinguished the flames within 30 minutes, Johnson said.
Fire crews went in the home and discovered two dead cats. It was unclear if the family pets died from smoke inhalation or burn injuries.
Florida Power & Light Co. crews went to the residence and disconnected the power, Johnson said. Red Cross South Florida Region was called to help the man and woman with emergency shelter and financial assistance.
No other homes were threatened from the house fire. The state fire marshal was investigating the cause of the blaze.
No further details were immediately available.
