A CAT and a dog were killed in a house fire on Maybole's Academy Quadrant last Wednesday.

At around 8.30am on Wednesday, November 16 fire services received reports of a 'significant' incident with the possibility of a person being trapped inside the property.

Station Manager Derek Davidson said: "The operational teams attacked the fire in the ground floor kitchen of the property by wearing breathing apparatus and using high pressure hose reels to achieve a rapid knockdown of the flames. 

"Within minutes of arrival the Incident Commander was thankfully able to declare that all persons were accounted for and that good progress was being achieved in relation to extinguishing the fire. 

"Unfortunately as a result of the incident two family pets perished within the toxic environment. 

"The teams remained on scene for a period of time cutting away fire damaged areas and checking for hidden fire spread using a thermal imaging camera."

Derek is urging householders to ensure they have working smoke alarms installed within their property to provide early warning in the event of fire. 

This can be arranged by contacting the Fire & Rescue Service to arrange a free home fire safety visit. Methods of contact are by logging on to www.firescotland.gov.uk , Text “FIRE” to 80800 or Freephone 0800 0731 999.