A structure fire in Ventura claimed the life of one cat and injured one person on Monday afternoon, according to officials.
Units with the Ventura City Fire Department responded to a 2:18 p.m. call reporting a fire in the 500 block of Briarwood Terrace.
A resident, who officials did not publicly identify, was inside the home when the fire broke out.
The person successfully evacuated by climbing through a window, but they were hurt while doing so. VCFD did not immediately provide further details but said the victim’s injuries were minor.
Crews arrived to find smoke coming from the windows of a single-family home, according to the department. Upon entering, firefighters encountered heavy flames on the first floor.
“Due to a quick and aggressive attack on the fire, firefighters were able to stop the fire from further damaging the home,” VCFD said in a release.
Officials said crews, assisted by animal control, were able to save one cat involved in the fire.
“Unfortunately, another cat was later found deceased inside the home,” said VCFD.
Authorities yellow-tagged the home and advised residents that they could not return to living there until the Ventura Building and Safety Department advised it was safe.
VCFD added that Red Cross was requested and assisted with sheltering the residents.
No other injuries were reported.
