Two dogs died in a fire at a home at 1201 Los Olas Blvd. in Arnold Saturday evening (April 16), said Jeff DeLapp, fire marshal for the Rock Community Fire Protection District.
The family who lives at the ranch-style house, which is in the Bayshore subdivision off Telegraph Road, was not there when the fire broke out, but two dogs were, and they, unfortunately, died, DeLapp said.
Neighbors reported the fire at 5:12 p.m., and when firefighters arrived shortly thereafter, they found heavy smoke coming from the home, said Ron Harder, public information officer for Rock Fire.
It looked like the fire started in the kitchen, which was heavily damaged, DeLapp said.
He said there was also a lot of smoke damage throughout the home.
DeLapp said today (April 20) that the fire was accidental, but the cause is still under investigation.
He said firefighters got the blaze under control very quickly.
Harder said firefighters remained on the scene for quite a while after that, though, to ventilate smoke from the house.
Red Cross volunteers responded to the scene and helped the family, which includes three adults and two children, with shelter, food, clothing and medication replacement.
The Mehlville Fire Protection District assisted with the call, Harder said.