Monica LaSalle, Nederland.  Saturday afternoon, NNovember 17, a fire broke out in a house in Old Town. The neighbor smelled smoke and called it in.

Upon arrival, crews could see thick smoke in the living room but not much fire remained. While still under investigation, the cause of the fire appears to have started near the location of a natural gas heater in the living room. There is some speculation that the dogs in the home could have pushed something into contact with the heater.

NFPD would like to remind folks that if you have children or pets in your home, secure your heating sources with a sturdy unmovable gate, surrounding it to prevent accidental fires.

Unfortunately, both pets perished in the fire, due to smoke inhalation.