Cat Hurt As Fire Destroys DeLand Apartment Building

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DeLand, FL - Around 20 people are getting help from the American Red Cross today after fire guts an apartment building in DeLand early this morning.

Over 30 firefighters - most from Volusia County Fire Rescue - were called to the scene at Mallards of Brandywine apartments on Muscovy Circle around 1:30 this morning (October 3rd).

The blaze turned into a two-alarm quickly, forcing crews to stay on scene throughout the overnight and into the morning to mop up hot spots.

Residents at the scene credited one of their own - Zach Morrison - with spotting the fire first and banging on the doors of his neighbor's units to wake them up and warn them about the fire. Two 911 calls soon afterward triggered the emergency response.

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No injuries to people were reported, though a cat did have to go to DeLand Animal Hospital after firefighters pulled it out of the building. That cat is now fighting for its life, according to a Facebook post by hospital officials.

At least $500,000 in damage was done to the building, with two apartments in the eight-unit building a total loss and the remaining six suffering heavy damage from fire, smoke and water, according to officials with the Volusia County Professional Firefighters Association. Those same officials say it appears the fire was accidental.

This fire happened soon after another blaze did major damage to a historic home in DeLand.

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