The Shreveport Fire Department responded to 747 Ratcliff at 2:37 pm for a reported house fire.  Fire crews arrived on scene at 2:41 pm to find a two story brick apartment building with heavy smoke and flames coming from the rear and roof.  Fire crews had reports that the apartments were occupied and immediately began searching and attacking the fire.  At 2:50 pm the incident commander called for a second alarm response which brought the total number to fifteen companies responding to the fire.  The fire started in the kitchen area of one of the downstairs apartment and extended to the upstairs and eventually to the attic space.  The attic space became heavily involved with fire and crews had difficulty accessing it through 10 foot hardwood ceilings.  Crews continued to work inside and on the roof to extinguish the fire and brought it under control at 3:37 pm. 

One lower apartment had four cats and all of them perished in the fire.  Fire crews were able to save a dog that was in one of the upstairs apartment.  He was found alive but had smoke inhalation.  The dog was given oxygen and water and was turned over to its owner.  All occupants of the home escaped without injury. 

The cause of the fire is still undetermined at this time; however, it did start in the kitchen.

More From 96.5 KVKI