Residents on the 3900 block of Crystal Place in Las Cruces faced a blaze Tuesday afternoon that required swift action from local firefighters. The fire, which took hold of the back porch of a home before climbing into the attic, was reported around 4:30 p.m. November 26 and prompted an emergency response from the Las Cruces Fire Department. According to the City of Las Cruces, the teams were able to control the situation within 20 minutes.

The operation was not without its challenges, firefighters had to navigate through the burning structure to ensure no one was trapped inside. Their search resulted in rescuing two cats, but unfortunately, residents have been displaced as a result of the incident. "At least two residents and their pets were displaced from the home," as detailed by the City of Las Cruces.

While tackling the flames, one firefighter sustained a minor injury. Yet, the dedication and swift action of the Las Cruces Fire Department likely averted a far graver outcome. As for the cause of the fire, investigations are ongoing and details have not been released to the public. Officials have not yet provided an estimate for the property damage caused by the fire.