JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Dozens of animals died during a house fire in the San Souci area Friday, according to sources.
The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department says no one was home, and there were no injuries to any humans.
Crews tweeted that they responded to the 2400 block of Provost Road around 12:49 p.m. The fire was declared under control at 1:25 p.m.
The Red Cross is helping the couple who lived in the home.
“When they [firefighters] arrived, it was a good amount of fire from the front of the house," JFRD Captain Eric Prosswimmer said. "Quite a bit of smoke, so the roof was already involved. They made quick work of it," he said.
According to a source, the home is a cat rescue, and dozens of cats died. Neighbors said the couple also had four dogs, and considered all of their pets their children.
Neighbors said they don't believe any animals made it out alive, and said the couple is devastated.
Prosswimmer said they don't have an exact count regarding how many animals died yet because it's not clear from the couple how many pets they had total.
“It's just like people perishing in a fire. You don’t plan for that. You can plan, but it’s hard with pets to teach them what to do in the case of some kind of fire, but they have instincts and will usually try to get out if there’s any possible way,” he said.
The state fire marshal is investigating the cause of the fire. Animal Control was also at the scene Friday.
A spokesperson for the city said Animal Care and Protective Services offered assistance to the owners, and were seen carrying trash bags out of the home Friday evening.