A morning fire at a townhouse in east London has displaced a family of four and their three pets.
London firefighters were called to the basement fire at a home on Admiral Drive near Kipling Avenue around 10:30 a.m. on Friday. Crews were able to extinguish the fire quickly.
Firefighters rescued two cats from the blaze. One had to be revived using oxygen administered through a pet mask, said Platoon Chief Colin Shewell.
No injuries were reported.
Damage, which was limited to one unit, is estimated at $125,000. The family who lives in the unit is receiving assistance from the Red Cross. A neighbour has also offered assistance to the family.
The cause of the fire is being attributed to carelessly discarded smoking materials.
Shewell noted there was only one working smoke alarm in the townhouse.
"September 28 is the 'Saved by the Beep' smoke alarm safety campaign in Ontario," said Shewell. "Through that we hope to remind homeowners that they must have working smoke alarms on every floor of their home. It is the cheapest way to keep your family safe."
