2 PETS PERISH IN $400,000 FIRE IN PORT SYDNEY TODAY

PORT SYDNEY — Smoke alarms are being credited today for helping a family escape an early morning fire here.

Huntsville/Lake of Bays firefighters responded to a structure fire shortly before 1:30 a.m., Sunday Oct. 6, on South Mary Lake Road.

Fire prevention officer Mike Vadlja says in a release that when crews from Port Sydney Station 3 arrived on scene, flames were visible through the roof.

He says crews remained on scene for approximately five hours, with assistance from Station 1, extinguishing hot spots.

The occupants were alerted to the fire by working smoke alarms and managed to safely escape the home.

Unfortunately two family pets perished in the fire, says Vadjla.

Fire officials estimate damage is estimated at $400,000.

The cause and circumstances are currently under investigation.