Working smoke alarms caught the attention of a neighbor who called 911 to get firefighters on their way after an overheating appliance apparently sparked a fire in a home in Indianola June 13, that displaced a family and destroyed many of its belongings.

The family of six (two adults and four children) was away from the house when the blaze started, per North Kitsap Fire & Rescue. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians and three dogs outside at the time of the fire were unhurt but the family’s six cats perished.

NKF&R, Bainbridge Island Fire Department and Poulsbo Fire Department crews were called to the home on Sister Sky Lane just before 12:08 p.m. after a man next door noticed smoke and heard alarms sounding in the two-story, 1,500 square-foot house. The first units arrived on scene in less than six minutes from NKF&R’s Kingston station. Suquamish Police Department and the Suquamish Tribe’s Office of Emergency Management also responded.

10 minutes after crews’ arrival, firefighters had extinguished the flames. Crews spent another two hours on scene, ensuring that all hot spots were snuffed and smoke was ventilated from the structure. While fire damage was limited to the kitchen, heavy smoke affected most areas of the home, NKF&R says.

Based on physical evidence and witness statements, investigators from the Kitsap County Fire Marshal’s Office believe that the fire started when accumulating pet hair blocked the vent engineered to dissipate heat generated by the appliance’s compressor motor, per NKF&R. Although this type of fire is not common, officials say that they could be avoided by keeping refrigerator and other appliance vents clear and performing as designed.

The family has some insurance, but it may not be enough to cover the entire loss. They are also being assisted by the Suquamish Tribe, Port Madison Enterprises and the American Red Cross.