Family pet dies in early morning house fire in Durham

A Durham home caught fire early Wednesday morning in Durham.

Just after 3 a.m., a Durham Fire Department unit was returning from a previous call when the crew smelled and saw smoke in an area on Chapel Hill Road.

After a quick search, the unit located the fire at a house in the 2300 block of Chapel Hill Road. Heavy smoke could be seen coming from the roof, so additional resources were requested.

Two adults and two cats were in the home at the time of the fire. Both adults were able to exit from the home safely. Unfortunately, one of the cats died due to smoke inhalation.

The Durham Fire Department deployed 33 members to assist with the blaze.

The fire was brought under control, and there was only moderate smoke and fire damage.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Fire crews are still on the scene.