On Wednesday April 20, at 7:47 p.m. Santa Monica Firefighters were dispatched to a reported structure fire on the 1900 block of 20th street in the Pico Neighborhood of Santa Monica. There were initial reports that occupants were possibly still inside.
The first Engine Company arrived on scene in 5 minutes and 46 seconds. Crews performed an aggressive fire attack and search of the units. During the search no human victims were located, however four cats were rescued from the apartment. Life saving measures were performed on the cats utilizing “pet oxygen masks” which are carried on all Santa Monica Fire apparatus, and two of the cats were successfully resuscitated. Unfortunately, the other two cats perished in the fire.
The fire was contained to one apartment unit. Red Cross was requested and assisted the displaced occupant of the fire unit. Additional assistance was provided by the Santa Monica Police Department and McCormick Ambulance. Santa Monica Fire Investigators determined the fire was caused accidentally.
Submitted by Captain Patrick Nulty, Public Information Officer