KILLEEN, Texas (July 23, 2023) – The Killeen Fire Department put out a fire at a residence in the 4500 block of Twin Oaks Circle, after being dispatched at 2:23a.m. on Sunday, July 23.
Units were advised that there were more than 20 cats and two dogs that lived in the residence and all human occupants were safely out of the house. They confirmed the resident had already evacuated the home once they arrived on scene.
The fire was brought under control within ten minutes of arrival and crews continued extinguishing areas for an additional 30 minutes. During search and rescue operations, Fire personnel located 22 cats and two dogs inside the residence that had all suffered from smoke inhalation. Paramedics on scene were able to resuscitate two cats and, unfortunately, two dogs and 20 cats did not survive as a result of the heavy smoke conditions.
A Killeen Police officer that arrived on scene just before fire department units, was able to safely discharge a fire extinguisher into the front window of the house, which temporarily slowed the advancement of fire and allowed firefighters to rescue as many pets as possible from the building.
The sole occupant of the home was evaluated for smoke inhalation by paramedics on the scene and did not request transport to the hospital. There were no injuries to any firefighters.
Killeen Fire personnel consisted of 26 staff on scene: Four engines, one Tower Ladder truck, one Rescue truck, two Ambulances, two battalion chiefs, and two EMS Captains.
The Killeen Fire Department was assisted by the Harker Heights Fire Department, Killeen Animal Services and Oncor. The cause of the fire is undetermined and remains under investigation by the Killeen Fire Marshal’s office, although no foul play is suspected.
The residence was deemed uninhabitable and displaced occupants were assisted on the scene by the Killeen Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Animal Services personnel assisted on scene with the removal of all animals that did not survive.
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