House fire kills one family pet

A dog has died and another dog survived after being caught in a house fire on Monday afternoon. The Yuma Fire Department ( YFD ) also reported one firefighter was treated for heat-related illness and is expected to make full recovery.

YFD said the house fire was reported at the block of 4600 West 19th Place. According to firefighters, they arrived to find heavy smoke and flames coming from the rear patio area of the block of 4655 W. 19th Street.

Firefighters said the residents were not home at the time of the fire but two family dogs and a reptile were home. Firefighters stated mutual aid was provided by MCAS Yuma and the Somerton Cocopah Fire Department. Due to the amount of heat, additional YFD firefighters were called into the scene to assist.

YFD said the cause of the fire is under investigation but is believed to have originated outside in the patio area. The American Red Cross also responded to provide assistance to the displaced family.