Orange house fire destroys home, kills several pets

ORANGE, Texas — Orange firefighters were dispatched to 106 Nash Street in Orange around 6 p.m. to find a couple's home engulfed in flames.

When they arrived, OFD says the front of the house was engulfed in smoke and fire.

They quickly called for help from the West Orange and Little Cyprus fire departments.

The owners of the house, Rita Ancelet and her husband, escaped unharmed, but unfortunately the same cannot be said for many of her cats.

Firefighters were able to save two of Anclet's cats, but several were found dead once the flames were finally brought under control.

Ancelet said she and her husband were sitting in their home when she suddenly heard a loud noise and turned around to see the back of her couch on fire.

The flames then jumped to her husband's oxygen machine, causing it to grow exponentially. The frightened couple fled the house with only the clothes on their backs.

“I lost everything, my credit cards, his insurance card, the money he had, both our phones, our clothes, everything. What you see now is everything he gave me remains,” said Ancelet.

With all their belongings consumed by the fire, Ancelet said his family could use all the help the community can give.

The house itself appears to be a total loss, with extensive fire and smoke damage.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by OFD Fire Marshal Randy Enner.

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This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.

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