The occupants and other pets survived, according to Clearwater Fire and Rescue.

CLEARWATER – A firefighter suffered minor injuries and a pet cat died in a fire Saturday (July 14) evening, Clearwater Fire and Rescue said.

Firefighters were called to a home on Lake Avenue S about 7:26 p.m. When they arrived, they found heavy smoke coming from the upper portion of the single-family house.

All of the occupants were already out, but some pets remained inside. One cat died in the fire, but another cat was rescued and was treated on scene with use of an oxygen mask before being taken to a local veterinary hospital. Other pets — lizards and snakes — also were saved from the fire. One firefighter was taken to Morton Plant Hospital after suffering a hand injury.

The house sustained significant damage and the family was displaced, firefighters said.

Extra crews were called in to fight the blaze because of the intensity of the fire, in addition to the high heat and humidity taking a toll on firefighters.

Clearwater Fire | House Fire | Cat Died | Firefighter Injured | Tampabay News

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