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Palmdale home goes up in flames, cat saved

by M. Dilworth • July 20, 2012

The house was declared a total loss after the blaze. Photo by LUIS MEZA.
A house cat, overcome by smoke inhalation, was given oxygen. Photo by LUIS MEZA.

Palmdale – A home in the 39100 Block of Yucca Tree Street in Palmdale was gutted by flames Friday afternoon.

Homeowner, Kenneth Burgett, said he was at home with his three cats when the fire started.

“I was sitting in my office looking at my computer when the house started to smell funny,” Burgett said. “I looked down the hallway and the smoke was right on the floor…”

Burgett said he managed to get out of a front window.

Firefighters received the call around 3:45 p.m. and responded minutes later.

Homeowner Kenneth Burgett (right) believes the fire started in his swamp cooler. Photo by LUIS MEZA.

Firefighters were able to rescue at least one of Burgett’s cats. The cat was overcome by smoke inhalation and was given oxygen by firefighters. The other two cats perished in the blaze.

The fire was knocked down around 5 p.m. and the structure was declared a total loss, officials said.

Burgett, who said he’s lived in the home for 12 years, speculated on the cause of the fire.

“Someone stole the pump from my swamp cooler and I have been using it like that,” he said. “Maybe that’s what caused the fire.”

The incident is under investigation.

The fire was knocked down around 5 p.m. Photo by LUIS MEZA.

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Filed Under: Palmdale

3 comments for "Palmdale home goes up in flames, cat saved"

  1. cindy says

    July 25, 2012 at 5:40 am

    I’m so sorry about your home and your cats.I am glad you got out safe.Your son needs to talk to you kit is very important.

  2. cheryl says

    July 23, 2012 at 8:38 am

    should have never taught the cat to use a lighter. ;) So sorry for your loss.

  3. Observer says

    July 21, 2012 at 11:20 am

    glad one of his pets was saved! poor guy! what a sucky way to start the weekend.

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