Firefighters: People attempted to run back into burning home on Park Avenue, cats still missing

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — Rochester Fire crews say people living in a house on Park Avenue were not hurt following a Sunday night fire, but they did put themselves in harm’s way to try and get their pets.

RFD says it received a call for a structure fire just before 8:15 p.m. The reports said there was smoke inside of the home with people exiting.

Acting Deputy Chief James Hartman said the people in the home told 911 operators they were going to go back in to get their cats, despite the operator telling them it was a dangerous move. As a result, fire officials said it was a heightened response because of the strong possibility one of the individuals would become trapped.

"There was an issue because the people from the house said they wanted to go back into the house to grab some pets, which we do not recommend," Hartman said.

When the first engine arrived, crews saw smoke pouring out from the frame. The fire was contained to a single bedroom on the second floor, but the house is not in a condition to be occupied.

According to Hartman, the pets have not yet been found.