TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) - Two house fires have caused over $500,000 in damage and claimed the lives of several family pets.
The first fire happened on Boxwood Court Monday night just before 8 p.m., said the Tallahassee Fire Department.
When crews arrived to the scene, nobody was inside the home. Investigators said that the cause of that fire was "unattended cooking." Damage was estimated to be about $25,000. Crews said they were able to salvage some of the family valuables and the Red Cross is assisting the family.
The second fire started around 4:30 a.m. Tuesday. Miccosukee and Chaires Volunteer Fire stations both received a call that flames were visible from a house located at 12600 Laurel Hill Drive.
Fire crews battled the fire for more than an hour. It is believed that the fire started on the back porch of the home near a smoker but the cause is still under investigation by the Tallahassee Fire Department and the State Fire Marshal's office
The family was able to make it out of the home safely. However, three dogs and two cats were lost in the fire.
No other injuries were reported at the scene and early damage estimates are at $500,000 and a total loss to the home.
