A homeowner and several cats were able to safely evacuate after a fire started in a residence in Cary Wednesday, fire officials said.
The Cary Fire Protection District was dispatched around 4:48 p.m. Wednesday to the 800 block of Oak Valley Drive in Cary for a report of a structure fire.
Cary Fire Protection District Spokesman Alex Vucha said crews arrived within three minutes.
Firefighters found smoke showing from a townhome on the corner of Oak Valley Drive and Linden Court.
Firefighters quickly stretched hose lines to the home and went inside to investigate, Vucha said.
Fire crews determined the furnace in a utility closet failed, causing a small fire.
Fire and heat damage was isolated to the furnace unit.
The home had working smoke detectors which alerted the resident of the fire.
The homeowner and several cats escaped unharmed, Vucha said. No injuries were reported.
Firefighters remained on the scene for an additional hour ventilating the home and conjoining units.