FLAMES AND EXPLOSION: FIREFIGHTERS SAVE CAT, REPTILE IN LAKEWOOD

Firefighters saved a cat hiding under a bed Sunday after a fire and propane tank explosion wrecked a duplex in Lakewood.
They also "grabbed the family's pet lizard," West Metro Fire said. When crews arrived, "flames had already spread from the back deck into the attic on one side of the duplex and raced along a wooden fence to a neighboring structure and a vehicle," officials said. "Two propane tanks exploded, intensifying the fire." "Investigators determined the fire started when embers from a gas fire pit fell beneath the outside deck." officials said. "The embers smoldered for hours after the fire pit was turned off."

The residents escaped, no one was hurt and the pets are safe. The duplex is located on West Cedar Place near South Newland Street.
[Photo: West Metro Fire]