5 cats, 1 dog killed in north Phoenix house fire

A house fire in north Phoenix killed one dog and five cats Thursday, but the home's owner and firefighters were able to save two dogs, according to the Phoenix Fire Department.

No other injuries were reported in the blaze, which damaged the rear of the home near Seventh Avenue and Union Hills Drive, according to firefighters.

Fire crews had the blaze under control by 9 a.m. Thursday, but the cause remained under investigation.

Flames could be seen shooting from the roof of the home near Seventh Avenue and Union Hills Drive at about 8 a.m.

After letting his pets out to the back patio, the homeowner walked to front yard to throw out trash, Phoenix Fire Department spokesman Benjamin Santillan said. Walking back to the home, he smelled smoke and saw his patio in flames.

The homeowner tried to save his animals and quickly called for assistance, Santillan said.

Fire crews were arriving on the scene in the cul-de-sac southwest of Seventh Avenue and Union Hills Drive, and Phoenix police officers were restricting traffic on Seventh Avenue.

Fire administrators could not immediately provide information about the cause of the blaze.