Dogsey

ANIMALS have been killed in fire at a Southampton home.

More than 100 animals of varying breeds were rescued as fire gripped a property in Seafield Road, Millbrook, Southampton, this morning.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed there were some animal fatalities in the blaze.

One person was treated for smoke inhalation by South Central Ambulance Service at the scene.

Firefighters from Redbridge and St Mary's fire stations attended the scene at around 9.08am after fire sparked in the kitchen.

They used four breathing apparatus, two jets, two hose reels, and positive ventilation to extinguish the blaze.

A total of 13 firefighters and an animal welfare adviser attended the incident.

Officer in charge, watch manager Jason Brattle, said: "Crews worked extremely hard to control the fire whilst being faced with an unusual situation involving so many animals.

"As crews gained entry they were exposed to six dogs who would naturally protect their property and were scared.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue initially said the home had no smoke detectors but has since confirmed a smoke detector upstairs raised the alarm, and the one downstairs didn't work.

An investigation showed the cause of the fire was electrical.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said the house contained dozens of cats, dogs, birds, chickens, rabbits and ferrets.

Four animals died in the kitchen of the property in Seafield Road and one person was treated for smoke inhalation by paramedics.