Columbus house fire causes $150k in damages, kills family pet

A fire in Columbus yesterday caused more than $150,000 in damages to a home in the Heron Cove Neighborhood and killed a family pet.

According to the Columbus Fire Department, a neighbor saw smoke coming from the home in the 6100 block of Pelican Lane at about 2:51 p.m. yesterday afternoon. When firefighters arrived on scene they discovered smoke coming from the garage and eaves. The owner of the home returned as firefighters prepared to battle the blaze and told the rescue workers that two cats were still inside.

Firefighters cut a hole in the roof to vent the hot gases but crews going inside encountered heavy smoke, high heat and zero visibility. They used a thermal camera to identify the fire source and extinguished the small flames, but it had already caused extreme heat damage inside. That included melting of plastic surfaces and blistering of cabinets. There was also extensive smoke damage.

Rescue crews found the two cats, one of which had died from smoke inhalation. The second cat was treated with oxygen by Columbus Regional Hospital paramedics and returned to homeowners. It is expected to recover.

Investigators believe they have discovered a source of the fire and the investigation is ongoing.

Photo courtesy of Columbus Fire Department