Emergency crews battled a fire that broke out at a home in Essa Township Tuesday afternoon.
Firefighters were called to the property along the Ninth Line, prompting police to shut down the roadway between the 30th Sideroad to County Road 90. The road has since reopened.
Thick smoke could be seen billowing from the house as firefighters worked to contain the blaze. The fire chief noted crews were initially unable to search the interior of the home due to the heavy flames.
Provincial police have since confirmed no one appears to have been inside the house at the time of the fire. Two cats were found dead, and one rabbit was located in good health, OPP added.
Details regarding how the fire started are limited at this time. Officials told CTV News the Ontario Fire Marshal’s office will investigate what caused the fire on Wednesday.
Officials say the residents are unable to return home for the time being.