TEMPLE, Texas - The City of Temple on Friday reported a house fire on the city’s east side claimed the lives of five pets.

About 2:36 p.m. Friday, firefighters responded to a report of a fire at a home located in the 1100 block of South 24^th Street. Heavy smoke and flames were visible from the rear of the wood-frame house.

The home’s resident was away when the fire broke out. Upon making entry, firefighters located the bodies of one dog and four cats. They had succumbed to smoke inhalation, fire investigators said.

The interior of the home is a total loss. An investigation showed the fire was unintentional and caused by a shorted electrical wire.  

The American Red Cross is assisting the displaced resident.