A Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Department spokesman said the occupant of a townhouse that caught fire Tuesday morning escaped, but a pet monkey and two cats perished.
Montgomery County fire spokesman Pete Piringer said firefighters were called to the townhouse in the 11100 block of Captains Walk Court and found heavy smoke coming from the basement.
When firefighters opened the rear door of the house, Piringer said a flashover occurred sending flames up the back side of the house. Firefighters called for a second alarm and Piringer said it took about 15 minutes to get the blaze under control.
The occupant of the townhouse got out along with two dogs, Piringer said, but two cats and a pet monkey died in the fire.
Investigators ruled the fire accidental. Piringer said plumbers were using a torch while replacing the hot water heater and some combustibles were ignited.
Officials said the fire caused $400,000 damage to the house and its contents.
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