House Fire Kills Cat, Displaces Family In Gloucester Twp.

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — A cat died and a family of seven was displaced Sunday in a Gloucester Township house fire.

It broke out around 11:30 a.m. in the township's Somerdale section, when smoke and flames came from the second floor of the Lee Ann Drive home.

All residents safely evacuated before authorities arrived, and firefighters controlled the blaze.

No people were hurt, but the fire killed the family's cat, police said. The American Red Cross has been assisting the displaced family.

The fire doesn't appear suspicious, police said. But the Chews Landing Fire Department's fire marshal has been investigating the cause.

As is customary after house fires, the Gloucester Township Police Department reminded residents to make sure their smoke alarms work.

"Smoke alarms are a key component of any fire escape plan," the GTPD said. "When there is smoke, there is fire, which can spread quickly. Working smoke alarms provide early warnings, allowing you to evacuate promptly."