1 dog, 2 pet birds die in Ventura house fire

Crews put out a house fire in Ventura that killed one dog and two pet birds Saturday.

The Ventura City Fire Department said 41 on-scene personnel responded to a structure fire on the 1300 block of Clay Avenue at 1:58 p.m.

Firefighters arrived within four minutes of the call to find a single-family home engulfed in flames coming from the garage and spreading into the rest of the residence.

Officials said a family was inside when the fire first broke out in the garage. All members were able to evacuate safely, but, unfortunately, they were unable to retrieve their pets.

However, firefighters quickly and aggressively attacked the flames and were able to save two dogs. Crews also managed to stop the fire from further damaging the home, putting out the fire by 4:17 p.m.

Fire crews confirmed the family lost one of their dogs and two birds in the fire.

Officials said the home was red-tagged and the family was advised they cannot re-occupy the home until the Ventura Building and Safety Department deems it safe.

The cause of this fire remains under investigation.