A family dog and cat died Wednesday in a house fire in Ellicott City while the family was out running errands, according to a news release from the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services.
The fire, which occurred in the 3000 block of Centre Drive, was reported around 6 p.m., and about 25 units were dispatched to the scene.
Firefighters arrived to find smoke coming from the roof of the home, and had the blaze under control in about 45 minutes, according to the release.
The two pets were found during a search of the home, but no civilians or fire officials were injured, officials said. Neighbors had reported that the occupants were not home at the time, so it is not known how many will be displaced.
The cause of the fire, which caused about $100,000 in damage, is under investigation.