Smoke rises from a home in Norwich as firefighters work at the scene late Saturday. Crews removed a dog and a cat from the residence, and Norwich police assisted by administering oxygen to the dog. (Photo from the Norwich Fire Association)

NORWICH – Smoke detectors alerted residents sleeping on the second floor to a house fire late Saturday, allowing everyone to evacuate safely, according to the Norwich Fire Department.

Online, Rebecca Hinman said she was a resident of the home and thanked emergency officials. 

She wrote, "I want to take a minute and say a very sincere thank you to the Norwich, Oxford, Sherburne and Preston Fire departments for showing up at our house fire late last night. You saved our home, and our pets and we will never forget that! Also, thank you to the incredibly kind woman that showed up with socks for our barefoot children to wear! It was very thoughtful!"

The department responded to a reported residential structure fire at 5 Berry St. at approximately 10:43 p.m., Oct. 31, according to Norwich Fire Department Capt. Robert Boellmann.

Fire Engine 234 and an ambulance responded with four firefighters arrived a few minutes later and they reported heavy smoke coming from the two-story, single-family residence.

Upon arrival, crews immediately deployed a hose line and entered the residence.

“Firefighters encountered heavy smoke, elevated temperatures, and limited visibility inside the structure,” Boellmann said in the media release.

Crews began an interior fire attack while additional volunteer and off-duty members arrived to assist with fire suppression and search the residence. The fire was brought under control at approximately 11:10 p.m.

During the primary search, firefighters located one dog and one cat inside the residence.

“Both animals were successfully removed from the home. Once outside, members of the Norwich Police Department assisted by administering oxygen to the dog,” Boellmann said.

Norwich firefighters were assisted on scene by the Oxford Fire Department, Plymouth Fire Department, Sherburne Fire Department, Norwich Police Department, Chenango County Office of Emergency Services, NYSEG and the American Red Cross.

No injuries were reported..  The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

"Fire Safety Reminder: This incident serves as an important reminder of the lifesaving importance of working smoke detectors. In this instance, working smoke detectors alerted the sleeping occupants to the fire and provided them with the opportunity to safely evacuate before firefighters arrived. The Norwich Fire Department encourages everyone to ensure smoke detectors are properly installed, regularly tested, and maintained in their homes," advised Boellmann.