8/7/23

One pet is dead and four people are without a home after a house fire yesterday in the Queen City.

According to Staunton Fire and Rescue officials, crews responded to the blaze at a single-level home in the city around 3:45 Sunday afternoon.

All four human occupants of the house had gotten out safely, and were treated at the scene, along with a neighbor, by members of the Staunton-Augusta Rescue Squad. The neighbor was taken to Augusta Health for further care.

Two cats were also removed from the home, with one later succumbing to its injuries.

Officials say the fire began in the home’s garage, and was sparked by discarded smoking materials.

The Red Cross has been called in to help the displaced residents.