One dog and two cats found deceased in residential fire

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The Gainesville Fire Rescue reported that units were called to SE 1st Street for a single family residential fire in the afternoon of Saturday, January 13th.

Upon arrival, fire fighters say that black smoke was coming from the front door of the home. The fire seemed to have started in the master bedroom, causing smoke to fill the entire home killing one dog and two cats inside. The homeowners were not found at the residence.

Crews were reportedly able to put out the fire just minutes after the first crews arrived. The homeowner soon arrived on scene and stated that "he believed the cause of the fire was due to a candle accidently being left on inside of the home, which may have been turned over by one of the animals."

The Gainesville Fire Rescue says that the Red Cross was able to assist the family with living arrangements. The cause of the fire is being investigated.

The Gainesville Fire Rescue would also like to remind all citizens to replace smoke detector batteries every six months and to make sure all heating and lighting appliances are turned off prior to leaving the home.