Hickory firefighters respond to fire in duplex

At approximately 14:14 Thursday afternoon, Hickory firefighters were dispatched to a possible building fire located in the area of 607 11th Street Place SW. During the dispatch, firefighters were told the occupant had come home and found smoke damage in the duplex.

On arrival at 14:19, firefighters reported the fire to be out, but found several animals in need of assistance. Firefighters located two dogs and started working to revive them by administering oxygen and medical assistance. Also during the search, three young cats were found deceased.

No humans were injured and damages consisted of heavy smoke damage throughout the duplex. The two dogs are being treated by a local animal hospital for their injuries. The Red Cross will be assisting the occupants.

Hickory Fire Department responded with two engines, one ladder, one rescue truck, and one command unit. Fire Investigators determined the cause of the fire to be electrical.