Salt Lake firefighters contained a blaze in a Rose Park residence, but they were unable to save four parakeets that died from smoke inhalation.
The fire at 353 N. 900 West originated in the dining room and was caused by faulty electrical wires, said Lt. Dan Andrus of the Salt Lake City fire department.The birds were in a cage that hung in the home's living room, which was adjacent to the dining room.
Firefighters were able to contain the blaze to the dining room area, but there was smoke damage throughout the home.
A dog was also in the house at the time of the fire but was able to escape without injury by fleeing to another room where the smoke wasn't as dense.
No one was at the house when the fire erupted. A neighbor noticed the smoke and called fire officials. The residents returned home shortly after fire crews arrived at the scene, Andrus said.
Investigators estimated the damage at about $10,000. The blaze was under control in about 20 minutes, with 14 firefighters responding, Andrus said.