West Manatee Fire Rescue responded to a fire at a two-story duplex at 2512 Ave. B, Bradenton Beach, at 1:36 a.m. Oct. 1, but firefighters were unable to rescue one of four pets belonging to the second-floor occupant due to heavy smoke.
According to the WMFR news release, firefighters found the second floor of the duplex ablaze when they arrived.
Neighbors told firefighters they used a ladder to climb to a second-story window and rescue three of four dogs, but one pet hid and perished from smoke inhalation.
The fire originated in the kitchen while the occupant was cooking, the release said. No one was injured in the incident.
The kitchen was “destroyed,” according to the release, and there was “substantial damage throughout the residence” because of heavy smoke.
The Red Cross responded and provided support for the occupants of the two apartments.