Pets Perish in Structure Fire

Firefighters quickly put out a blaze at a home in Santa Cruz Friday night, but not before a few pets inside perished, fire officials said.

Crews responded to a report of a fire at 720 Almar Ave. at about 7:10 p.m., officials said. When crews arrived, they found the home on fire, and were able to confine it to the bedroom, fire officials said.

The blaze was quickly put out, but not before one occupant suffered from smoke inhalation and a few pets died, according to fire officials.

The resident was transported to a hospital to be treated for the smoke inhalation. All the other occupants escaped from the home unscathed, officials said.

More than 20 cats and two dogs lived in the home, fire officials said. Most of the pets were rescued.

There was about $150,000 in damage, according to fire officials.

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