More than 21 animals survive house fire in Peoria

PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) - Authorities say more than 20 animals survived a house fire in Peoria.

The fire started at about 8 a.m. Wednesday at a home near 79th Avenue and Cactus Road.

A neighbor saw smoke coming from the house and alerted the woman inside.

She reportedly was house-sitting for the residents and she was able to get out safely.

Firefighters say they found 19 cats and five dogs inside the home.

Three of the cats died, several ran off and the rest were taken to a veterinarian’s office.

Authorities say all of the dogs were taken to the backyard and are safe.

Peoria Fire Department officials say the blaze started in the kitchen area and spread to the attic.

Crews put out the fire without much damage to the home.