South Bend, IN – A South Bend neighborhood awoke to dramatic scenes as firefighters responded to a house fire on Portage Avenue early Thursday morning, rescuing several pets and containing the blaze within minutes.
According to the South Bend Fire Department, the incident began just before 7 a.m. when Medic 2 was passing through the 1200 block of Portage Avenue and noticed a residential home on fire. Truck 7, already in the area on another call, arrived at the scene within seconds to provide assistance.
Officials stated the fire originated on the first floor and quickly spread to the second floor. Firefighters acted swiftly, bringing the fire under control in less than 20 minutes. No residents were home during the fire, but crews managed to rescue two cats and several guinea pigs from the building. Sadly, one cat was found deceased.
According to the department, the South Bend Animal Resource Center responded to care for the rescued pets. Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the fire, which remains under investigation.
The South Bend Fire Department credited the rapid response and teamwork of its crews for preventing further damage and ensuring the safety of neighborhood residents.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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