TYLER, Texas — The Red Cross is assisting four families after a house fire early Friday morning left their home significantly damaged and one small dog dead.
Crews responded to the blaze at a two-story home in the 700 block of South Fannin Ave. after receiving a call around 6:50 a.m. Friday. The home was subdivided into four separate apartment units.
Firefighters were able to get the residents out of the home safely but one pet was found dead on the upper floor. The structure has significant damage, officials said.
Crews helped the residents salvage many of their Christmas gifts while at the scene, according to the city of Tyler Fire Marshal's Office.
Officials suspect the cause is electrical in nature because those in the home saw sparks and flames at the breaker panel when they woke up. The exact cause is under investigation. No one was injured, the fire marshal's office said.
The American Red Cross was told about the fire and will be helping the displaced families.
City of Tyler Deputy Fire Marshal Randy Lee said they should be able to move back in eventually. He added the weather and the attic in the house made the response challenging.