The Litchfield Fire Department swiftly responded to a structure fire at 836 S. Chestnut Street in Litchfield on Monday, successfully containing the flames to a single bedroom.

Montgomery County 911 dispatched crews at 1:39 p.m. after smoke was reported from the residence. Firefighters arrived to find the blaze in a downstairs apartment, deploying hose lines and conducting a primary search. No occupants were inside, but one dog and two cats were rescued. Despite efforts to revive one cat suffering from smoke inhalation, it later succumbed to its injuries.

The fire was extinguished using water and hose lines, with ventilation efforts clearing smoke from both the affected unit and the upstairs apartment. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The Litchfield Fire Department reminds residents to make sure working smoke detectors are in place to help prevent future tragedies.