Three cats died in a downtown area fire over the noon hour today (Wed). The Saskatoon Fire Department responded to an apartment/row house at the intersection of 25th Street and 3rd Avenue at 12:30 and found smoke coming from a rear unit. The blaze was brought under control at 1:16.

A Fire Investigator says the cause is accidental, from extension cords being used as a permanent source of electricity. An extension cord overheated and ignited in the kitchen. The damage is estimated at $40,000. The Fire Department reminds the public that extension cords should only be used as a temporary source of electricity.