Fire crews were able to quickly contain a Sunday evening fire that damaged an Old Orchard Beach house and displaced a family.

The fire at 54 15th St. was reported by someone who lived at the house shortly before 5:30 p.m. Fire Chief Ricky Plummer said firefighters were able to contain the fire to the kitchen and laundry room area, but there was also heat damage to the second floor.

The fire was under control in about 20 minutes and is not considered suspicious. Plummer said the cause remains under investigation.

Firefighters were able to rescue two pet snakes and a cat, but two other cats died in the blaze. The home’s occupants were able to get out on their own and there were no reported injuries.

Plummer said the American Red Cross is assisting the two adults and three children who live in the home.

The home is located in a densely populated neighborhood blocks from the Old Orchard Beach Fire Department and the Salvation Army. Many of the homes in that neighborhood are seasonal rental cottages.

Fire crews from Saco, Scarborough and Biddeford assisted Old Orchard Beach at the scene, while Arundel crews provided station coverage.


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