An investigator with the Saskatoon Fire Department estimates about $350,000 in damages from the house fire in the 1700 block of Avenue D North yesterday (Mon) morning), and the cause of the fire was deemed accidental from the improper disposal of smoking material.

Firefighters arrived to the home around 8:30 yesterday morning (Mon) and reported that the power lines were down and arcing from the fire and the natural gas line at the rear of the home was also on fire. Two people inside, including an elderly man, were able to escape. The man was transported to hospital and was being treated for smoke inhalation. Nine cats were rescued and the Fire Department reports they were all doing well when they were removed from the home.