PHOENIX — Multiple animals were rescued from a home in Phoenix after firefighters responded to reports of a house fire on Thursday.
According to Phoenix fire officials, crews responded to a home near 40th Street and Shea Boulevard around 1 p.m. Crews did not see anything from the outside of the house and made their way inside to investigate.
After crews made it inside, they found moderate smoke throughout the whole house. Using a thermal imaging camera, crews found the source of the fire behind a refrigerator. After putting out the fire, crews found multiple animals that were described to be in "very unhealthy" conditions.
Phoenix fire officials say other numerous animals were found at the home, including horses, cats, and six dogs.
Phoenix police and animal control responded to assist. The Phoenix Fire Crisis Team responded as well to assist the homeowners.
Police and humane society officials confirmed no criminal charges will be filed against the elderly woman who lives alone at the residence.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Editor's note: Initially, thirty dogs were reported to be found at the home, but an update from officials later clarified there was only six dogs found on the property.
