Fire in Colchester displaces family, kills pets

Colchester — An early-morning fire displaced a family of three and killed several pets, a fire official said.

Firefighter Bob Dombroski said the fire at 93 Chestnut Hill Road was reported at 1:20 a.m.

He said three people in the home managed to escape the fire without injury. There were about eight to 10 cats inside the home that were taken to a local veterinary hospital. He believed that two cats were killed in the blaze.

Upon arrival, Dombroski said there was fire showing from a window in the one-story home. He said the fire was confined to two rooms. It took firefighters about 20 minutes to get the fire under control.

In addition to Colchester, Salem, Gardner Lake and Bozrah fire departments responded to the scene.

The American Red Cross is assisting the family.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.