Kent Fire investigators are sifting through ashes to determine what started a house fire in the 3800 block of South 249 Street.

Firefighters from the Kent Fire Department RFA and South King Fire and Rescue were dispatched to the single story house at 2:15 Sept. 24. When they arrived on scene they found smoke coming from the eaves of the house.

Once they made entry into the house through the front door, the firefighters found that the smoke level was down to the floor but because the fire started in the living room area, they were able to locate the seat of the fire and extinguish it quickly.

Once the fire was out, a search of the house revealed that no one was home. Unfortunately a dog and cat perished in the fire from the high heat and smoke. Firefighters attempted to resuscitate the animals, but were unsuccessful.

There was at least one smoke alarm in the house, but it is unknown if it was working. Firefighters found it as a small pile of plastic on the carpeting, completely melted from the intense heat.

The occupants of the home have been contacted.