(Update 3:45-a.m.) — A man and a woman were transported to the Cass County Memorial Hospital following a residential fire in Atlantic, Monday. Firefighters were called to 403 W. 14th Street at around 8:27-p.m.

Photos by KJAN News Director Ric Hanson (Click on images to enlarge)

Atlantic Fire Chief Mark McNees told KJAN News as crews were enroute, dispatch advised both residents – Mark and Claudia Eoff — were out of the house, but then Mark Eoff went back inside to try and rescue a cat and a bird, possibly a cockatiel. Both animals died. Eoff suffered from minor burns to his hands and arm, before he had to withdraw from the residence.

Firefighters were advised of a possible explosion in the residence just before they arrived. Upon arrival, there was smoke pouring from the eaves of the homes. Crews knocked down the flames within 15 minutes. McNees said there was a lot of fuel (Combustible) material inside the home.

The last crews were on the scene until about 10-p.m. McNees said an investigation determined the fire was caused by a carelessly discarded cigarette.