UPDATE:
14 cats and three dogs were killed in a house fire in North Fort Myers.
If you were driving through North Fort Myers around 4:30 Wednesday afternoon, you probably saw the plumes of black smoke rising near Old 41 and Pine Island Road.
Watch to hear all we know about the house fire:
On Santa Cruz Street, you could see North Fort Myers Fire crews working on what was left of a house fire. You could see crews spraying down the walls as smoke poured out of the home.
North Fort Myers Fire spokesperson, Christi Fulton, says 14 cats died in the fire, along with a lot of birds and three dogs. Thankfully, they say one dog survived. Fulton says three people were inside the home when the fire started.
“All the occupants got out safe. One was transported but with minor burns,” said Fulton.
Fulton says the fire started around 4:20 P.M. and was caused by an electrical outlet. She says two rooms in the home actually had items they could save because the doors were closed, so she’s urging people to close bedroom and hallway doors when they can.
“Smoke is what does the most damage. Smoke is what will cause deaths. Smoke is what causes the destruction of your home. Smoke spreads fast. And closing that door gives you a little more of a barrier,” said Fulton.
ORIGINAL REPORTING:
Fire Crews in North Fort Myers are working to put out a house fire in the Paloma Park neighborhood.
According to North Fort Myers Fire Control District 14 cats, 3 dogs and multiple birds were killed in the fire.
Three people were inside at the time and one was transferred for minor burns, they are expected to be fine.
One dog also escaped the fire.
Fire crews are still working on a cause of that fire but said it started in the living room.
Smoke could be seen for miles in all directions Wednesday afternoon.
Crews were called to 555 Santa Cruz St around 4pm.
Fire crews say the fire is not suspicious.
This is a developing story and FOX 4 will update on air and on line.
