Cats Die in Fire After Alerting Residents to Danger

Two cats that may have started a fire that would take their lives were credited Sunday with saving two residents with their loud cries and scratching.

The cats were locked in a bedroom in the apartment complex, where they may have started the fire about 11 a.m. Sunday, said Anaheim Fire Department spokeswoman Tabby Cato.

The pets’ noise awoke Sharon Deason, who fled the smoke and flames with her 19-year-old daughter, Sarah. Apparently, they did not have enough time to save the pets, Cato said.

“It’s a really sad story, but . . . the cats were able to wake her up,” Cato said.

The apartment was gutted. Three other apartments suffered water and smoke damage, she said.

Eight people were left homeless and were being assisted by the Red Cross, Cato said.

The fire appeared to be accidental but was under investigation, she added. “We can’t at this time rule out that the cats had something to do with the fire.”