In the dark hours before sunrise Friday, a fast-moving fire tore through a home in Geneva, sending five members of one family to local hospitals and leaving several pets dead or unaccounted for. Firefighters pulled up to find heavy smoke and flames pouring from the house and had the family transported out of an abundance of caution. The Red Cross was called in to help the displaced household.
Kitchen blaze sends family to hospital
According to ClickOrlando, the Seminole County Fire Department said the fire started in the home’s kitchen. Three adults and two children were taken to area hospitals, with officials again stressing the transports were precautionary. Crews worked to knock down the flames once they arrived quickly. The report also notes that the property housed a large number of animals, including dogs, cats, and a pet snake, and that some of those animals have been located.
Animals, timeline and scene
WFTV reported that crews first responded around 2:40 a.m. after 911 callers warned that people might be trapped inside, triggering a multi-unit response. Channel 9 said flames pushed into the attic and garage, and that several cats and at least one dog did not survive the fire. Reporters remained at the scene as investigators began working to determine how the kitchen blaze ignited.
Investigation and recovery
Seminole County fire officials told ClickOrlando the family is expected to be OK, and that the fire marshal will investigate the cause of the blaze. Neighbors and local aid groups often coordinate with the Red Cross and animal-welfare organizations while firefighters tally pet losses and assess damage, and officials have asked the community for patience as cleanup and searches continue.
