(Terril)--A house fire late Tuesday afternoon near Terril caused extensive damage and claimed the lives of several pets.

At around 4:45 pm, the Terril and Dickens Fire Departments were paged to a house fire located at 2970 290th Street, southwest of Terril.

Terril Fire Chief Jarod Fisher says upon arrival, firefighters made entry into the residence, completed an interior fire attack and started positive pressure ventilation.

The Milford and Wallingford Fire Departments were also called for mutual aid resources, water and firefighters. The Wallingford Fire Department was canceled enroute.

Fischer says the fire started in the basement of the residence near a couch. Extensive fire damage was located in the basement including smoke, and fire soot damage.

Fischer says the occupants of the house were able to make it out safely. Unfortunately, four animals, 3 dogs and 1 cat died in the fire.

Assistance was also provided by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Spencer Ambulance and the  Clay, Dickinson and Emmet County 911 Communication Dispatchers.