Quincy firefighters were dispatched to the scene at 8:49 a.m. after receiving reports of smoke at the residence.
"Upon arrival, they had an occupant outside after multiple attempts by her to rescue some of her many pets," Quincy Deputy Fire Chief Steve Salrin said. "Crews made entry inside and found the fire to be located in the kitchen area on the southeast corner of the home. The fire was extinguished quickly."
After the fire was extinguished, firefighters carried out cats and ferrets that were found inside the home.
Homeowner Therese Holford was examined and released at the scene.
"The homeowner was attended to by EMS personnel, because she had taken in significant amount of smoke, just based on the soot on her face, in her attempt to get to her animals," Salrin said.
Adams County paramedics used specialty masks to provide oxygen to animals that were having difficulty breathing following the fire.
An investigation later revealed that the fire was started by a candle in the home and accidental in nature.
(WHIG - Nov 21, 2012)
