Cat alerts family to fire in Gaithersburg

GAITHERSBURG, Md. — A Gaithersburg family's pet cat became an unexpected hero after alerting them to a fire on Sunday, ensuring their safe escape.

Crews with Montgomery County Fire & Rescue were sent to a home on West Side Drive in Gaithersburg to fight the blaze after a 911 call was made from inside the house. A spokesperson for the department says there were no smoke alarms to alert the family, but the two residents were able to get out safely after their cat woke them up. The cat pawed at the two sleeping residents until they woke up and they noticed something burning. 

"If it weren't for Prince waking me up, we would all be dead," a family member who did not want to be identified said. "He truly saved our lives and I believe he is our angel." 

Unfortunately, the cat who alerted the family to the flames has since died due to smoke inhalation.

Investigators say the fire started on the first floor of the building in the kitchen. It has caused an estimated $200,000 in damages and displaced two people.

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