Milford, CT — A porch fire caused significant damage to a two-story apartment building on Harrison Avenue on the morning of Thursday, Dec. 5, though all occupants escaped safely and three cats initially feared missing were rescued by firefighters.

Milford Fire Department crews responded to 164 Harrison Ave. at 9:13 a.m. after receiving reports of a porch fire. Arriving units found heavy fire on the front porch of the wood-frame residential building, with two apartments involved.

All residents had evacuated the structure before firefighters arrived. Three cats were initially unaccounted for but were located and safely removed from the building by fire personnel.

Crews stretched multiple handlines to attack the blaze and conducted primary searches of the structure. The fire was quickly knocked down, followed by salvage and overhaul operations.

The American Red Cross responded to assist displaced residents. Mutual aid companies from Stratford and West Shore covered Milford fire stations during the incident.

Fire Department units held the scene while investigators worked to determine the cause. The investigation remains ongoing.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Milford Fire Department Facebook post - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HDfQWxe7P/]