FORT WAYNE, Ind. — A residential fire on the city’s northwest side drew multiple 911 calls Sunday evening but ended without injury, thanks to the swift response of the Fort Wayne Fire Department (FWFD) — and a bit of feline luck.

The blaze, reported around 6:30 p.m., broke out at a home on Franklin Avenue near Spring Street, where both the house and a detached garage were seen engulfed in flames.

According to FWFD officials, the first engine arrived within one minute of the call being dispatched — a response time that proved crucial in containing the fire.

Crews Contain Fire in 15 Minutes

Crews tackled the dual-structure blaze with urgency. Within 15 minutes, the fire was brought under control. Firefighters quickly checked the property for occupants and discovered two cats inside the residence.

“Both animals were successfully rescued and are doing fine,” the department confirmed.

No human injuries were reported, and residents of the home had made it out safely before firefighters arrived.

Community Calls in the Emergency

Officials noted that multiple calls from bystanders and neighbors were made to 911, helping ensure the response was immediate and coordinated.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and no estimates have yet been released on the extent of the damage to the home or garage.

A Small Story with a Big Relief

In a quiet neighborhood where Sunday evenings are typically slow, the orange glow of flames and sounds of sirens brought momentary alarm. But for residents on Franklin Avenue, the outcome was a collective sigh of relief — no injuries, no fatalities, and two lives with whiskers saved.