DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — A house fire Saturday morning in Decatur killed two cats, and the heavy damage to the residence has displaced the family of six people living there.

At approximately 4:02 a.m., the Decatur Fire Department responded to the report of garage fire in the 200 block of Bay Shore Drive. Engine 6 first arrived on scene and reported heavy fire in the attached garage, with flames extending into the main structure of the home.

Fire crews then stretched two attack hose lines, quickly suppressing the garage fire before transitioning inside through the front door of the house to prevent further extension into the residence.

Decatur Fire said additional responding companies conducted critical support operations. This included horizontal and vertical ventilation, a search of all floors, utility control and securing a continuous water supply.

The family of six and their dog safely evacuated the house before the firefighters arrived on scene, and no civilian injuries were reported. However, during the search, firefighters located two cats, and despite resuscitation efforts, both succumbed to fire-related injuries.

The fire was confined to the home of origin and resulted in heavy damage to the garage and kitchen at the residence. The cause of this fire remains under investigation. Due to the extent of the fire damage, the family has been displaced.

The following Decatur Fire units responded to the scene of this incident:

• Battalion 1
• Engine 1
• Truck 1
• Truck 2
• Engine 3
• Engine 6
• 312
• 313
• 314
• 702

Ameren and Abbott Ambulance acted as assisting agencies on scene.