Firefighters are investigating a blaze that damaged a West Salt Lake home and killed four dogs Wednesday.
The fire started in an upstairs bedroom of the house, 1367 W. Indiana Ave. (850 South), and gave firefighters a "pretty rough time" before it was contained, said Salt Lake Fire Capt. Jeff Stansfield.A man who lived in the house kicked down the door of the bedroom, causing oxygen to enter the room and spreading the fire to the attic. Firefighters cut a hole in the roof to help contain the fire. The house sustained about $35,000 in damage. Stansfield said preliminary findings point to a smoldering cigarette, although the fire is still under investigation.
Three puppies were overcome by smoke and died in the blaze. Firefighters tried to revive the mother of the puppies but were unsuccessful. Three people in the house were not injured.
Four engines, a ladder truck and about 20 fire personnel responded to the blaze. Stansfield said firefighters were on the scene one minute after the homeowners called 911 about noon.