McLean County Times

A house in the 300 block of Highland Avenue suffered significant damage after a fire broke out in the kitchen on Monday afternoon. The Normal Fire Department was dispatched to 308 Highland Avenue at 12:36 p.m. following a report that a kitchen fire was spreading quickly up the walls.

The home's occupant and three dogs evacuated safely before firefighters arrived. Upon arrival, crews observed light smoke coming from the front of the house. Firefighters entered the residence and encountered heavy smoke and fire concentrated in the kitchen, located in the northwest corner of the home.

The alarm was upgraded to bring in additional resources, including an engine and battalion chief from the Bloomington Fire Department. Firefighters brought the fire under control within about 25 minutes and continued ventilation and salvage operations at the scene.

During their search, firefighters found a cat inside the home that showed no signs of life. They removed the animal and attempted resuscitation, but the cat died from smoke inhalation.

The fire caused extensive damage to the kitchen and the room above due to fire and heat. There was also substantial smoke damage throughout the house. Firefighters had to remove large sections of ceiling and walls on both floors to locate hot spots. The construction methods used when the home was built allowed the fire to spread inside walls more easily than in modern homes. Ameren disconnected electrical service to the property.

No injuries were reported among the occupants or firefighters. The resident is receiving immediate assistance from the American Red Cross.

"While the fire originated in the kitchen, the cause remains under investigation by the Normal Fire Department," officials stated.