SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio firefighters are focusing on a heater that a family was using to warm their pets as the cause of a fire in their Northwest Side home.
The fire, which broke out shortly before 4 a.m. Tuesday, caused heavy damage to the home.
When fire crews arrived in the 7100 block of Valewood View, they say they found smoke coming from the front of the home and flames on the back side.
The fire spread into the attic, causing damage throughout the home.
Firefighters say three people who live in the home, two adults and a child, had escaped safely on their own.
They say the residents woke up to the sound of their smoke detectors.
Fire crews had to go in and rescue two pets, a cat and turtle. Both animals are safe now.
Although fire investigators will be determining the exact cause of the fire, firefighters say it appears the fire started in the heater, outside the home.