Six cats rescued during Carbondale apartment fire

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CARBONDALE, Ill. (KBSI) — The Carbondale Fire Department responded to a structure fire Thursday afternoon in the 700 block of South Rawlings Street.

Firefighters were dispatched around 4 p.m. Feb. 26 after receiving a report of smoke coming from the roof of a residential building. Upon arrival, crews observed smoke from a four-unit apartment building and located an active fire in the kitchen of one unit.

Firefighters began suppression efforts and evacuated occupants from the three unaffected apartments as a precaution. The fire was brought under control quickly, and damage was contained to the apartment where it originated. Minor water damage was reported in one adjacent unit.

Six cats were located and safely removed during firefighting operations. No injuries to residents or responders were reported.

Investigators determined the fire was accidental. One occupant was displaced, and the American Red Cross was contacted to assist.

The fire department thanked the Carbondale Police Department, Carbondale Animal Control and a neighbor who reported the smoke and directed crews to the scene.

Officials reminded residents to ensure smoke detectors are working properly and to test alarms regularly.