posted April 23, 2013 12:56 PM            

The origin of the fire that destroyed the Last Chance Cat Ranch Tuesday has been narrowed down to the home's attic. Firefighters were called to the residence along 6th avenue south after neighbours reported smoke coming from the home. There are reports that 60 cats were in the home at the time. So far 28 have been caught and treated at Family Pet Hospital. Lethbridge Animal Services is placing more traps around the area in hopes of catching more that escaped the blaze. Lethbridge Fire Chief Brian Cornforth says firefighters were hampered because the natural gas line to the home wasn't shut off and they had to wait for ATCO gas to arrive and locate it. He adds the lone occupant of the home at the time, opened all the doors and windows in an effort to help the cats escape and that also contributed to the home becoming engulfed so quickly. He says 23 firefighters responded to the blaze and one was taken to hospital to be treated for exhaustion while the occupant was treated and released for smoke inhalation. Family Pet Hospital is accepting donations that will go directly toward the cost of treating the cats, as the owner of the Last Chance Cat Ranch is mostly responsible for the bill. -Tina Giesbrecht