An early morning house fire in St. Paul on May 27 has left one home heavily damaged, but quick action by firefighters helped stop the blaze from spreading to nearby properties.

The St. Paul Fire Department responded to the structure fire in the 4800 block of 48 Avenue shortly after the first 9-1-1 call came in. Crews were on scene within seven minutes and immediately began suppression efforts.

Two people who were inside the home and asleep at the time were able to escape safely without injury. One family pet did not survive the fire.

“This is a remarkably swift response by our firefighters, who were able to limit the fire to the original house, preventing spread to neighbouring properties,” said Director of Protective Services and Fire Chief Trevor Kotowich.

Fire officials are also reminding residents about the importance of working smoke detectors inside the home.

“Having a properly installed and functioning smoke detector in your home reduces your risk of serious injury or death in half,” said Kotowich. “A residential fire can reach fatal temperatures and engulf a room in as little as three minutes.”

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the St. Paul Fire Department.