2 pets die in Yucca Valley house fire

Firefighters estimate a loss of $100,000 to a home that caught fire Tuesday night in Yucca Valley. All residents evacuated safely but two of their pets died from smoke inhalation.

The fire ignited in the garage of the home, located in the 7000 block of Murray Lane, at about 9:45 p.m. The family was resting quietly at home when one of the residents smelled smoke and went to the garage to investigate. When the door was opened, the family saw heavy smoke and flames, according to the San Bernardino County Fire Department.

Fifteen firefighters were working the fire and they said stubborn fire and smoke in concealed spaces of the building made the effort more difficult.

Firefighters tried to save a small dog they found lifeless in the home but were unable to resuscitate the pet. Officials said a cat also died from smoke inhalation. However, they were able to save a chihuahua they found in the home.

Investigators are still trying to figure out the cause of the fire.