Family of 4 safely escapes, loses 2 pets in house fire


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MAGNA — A family of four safely escaped from their burning home Friday morning, but their house is a complete loss.

The family's two cars were also heavily damaged and their pet dog and cat were later found deceased, fire officials said.

"It's a hard thing to handle, this time of year especially," said Unified Fire Authority spokesman Rob Morley of the heavy damage.

The fire started about 7 a.m. Multiple neighbors called 911. By the time fire crews arrived at a home near 3000 South and 9050 West, Morley said the house was fully involved and crews were forced to battle the flames in a defensive mode, meaning they could not enter.

Two children, ages 2 and 5, were apparently awake before the fire started, Morley said. Their mother was still in bed and their father was alerted to the situation when he noticed smoke coming into his bedroom. The children were found in the family room and taken out of the house.

The family pets did not make it out, Morley said.

The cause of the fire was still under investigation Friday, but Morley said it likely started in the kitchen and may be related to an electrical problem.

The house is considered a total loss. The flames were so intense that they extended to two cars parked in the driveway. A neighbor's house was also evacuated as a precaution, but that house was not damaged.

The Greater Salt Lake Chapter of the American Red Cross was at the scene to assist the family.


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