A Manitowoc family is mourning the loss of their family cat after a fire erupted in their basement. The Manitowoc Fire-Rescue Department was called regarding the fire at 1129 South 25th Street at around 4:30 PM on Tuesday. Flames were not seen from the outside, but smoke was seen billowing from the structure. While the first truck battled the blaze, a second crew performed a sweep of the home, finding the feline unconscious. Resuscitation efforts proved unsuccessful, and the cat died due to smoke inhalation. No damage estimate has been released at this time, but it was determined to have been started by a portable heater. The MFRD is using this opportunity to remind everyone to ensure that their smoke detectors are functioning properly.
