Three people were hospitalized following a basement fire in Normal on Thursday morning.
Crews from the Normal Fire Department were called to a home at 702 Normal Ave. at 7:50 a.m. for a report of a fire in the basement. Firefighters came upon heavy smoke throughout the home.
According to a release from the fire department, crews had the blaze under control in about 15 minutes.
The department said each of the four occupants evacuated just prior to the fire department arriving, though three of them were taken to the hospital for treatment of minor injuries and smoke inhalation.
None of the injuries are considered to be life threatening, according to the department.
Firefighters found two kittens inside the home. They were safely removed, treated for smoke inhalation with pet oxygen masks and returned to the homeowner.
NFD reported extensive smoke and water damage to the basement and smoke damage through the main and upper story of the home. The department said the home is insured and the residents have made other housing arrangements until the home is livable again.
Normal Fire Department investigators said the fire reportedly started in a bedroom in the basement and has been ruled accidental.
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