A fire caused heavy damage to a two-story house in the 3700 block of Riverside Drive in unincorporated Crystal Lake and left a cat dead Friday afternoon. | Photo: NRFPD

A cat was found dead and a second cat is unaccounted for after a fire broke out and caused heavy damage throughout a home near Crystal Lake Friday afternoon.

Theย Nunda Rural Fire Protection District responded around 3:20 p.m. Friday to the 3700 block of Riverside Drive in unincorporated Crystal Lake for a report of a residential structure fire.

Firefighters arrived on the scene within minutes and observed heavy smoke showing from the rear of a two-story residence, according to Nunda Rural Fire Protection District Communication Specialist Alex Vucha.

A fire caused heavy damage to a two-story house in the 3700 block of Riverside Drive in unincorporated Crystal Lake and left a cat dead Friday afternoon. | Photo: NRFPD

A defensive attack from the exterior was established using several hose lines and truck operations, Vucha said.

A request for additional resources was made through the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS).

17 neighboring agencies responded to the scene or covered Nundaโ€™s fire station during the incident.

Vucha said firefighters worked aggressively and brought the fire under control nearly an hour later at 4:14 p.m.

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A fire caused heavy damage to a two-story house in the 3700 block of Riverside Drive in unincorporated Crystal Lake and left a cat dead Friday afternoon. | Photo: NRFPD

Firefighters remained on the scene for an additional two hours to monitor and overhaul extensive smoldering content inside the home.

A preliminary investigation indicates the fire started on the second floor but the exact cause remains under investigation.

One occupant was home when the fire occurred and safely evacuated, Vucha said.

A fire caused heavy damage to a two-story house in the 3700 block of Riverside Drive in unincorporated Crystal Lake and left a cat dead Friday afternoon. | Photo: Tyler Tobolt / Lake and McHenry County Scanner

A cat was located deceased and a second cat remains unaccounted for.

The two-story home sustained heavy damage throughout and was deemed uninhabitable.

The two residents of the home are receiving housing and various aid assistance from the American Red Cross.