NEW ALBANY, Ind. (WDRB) -- Floyd County fire officials are investigating after an fire in New Albany left a home heavily damaged early Thursday. 

Firefighters responded to the home in the 1100 block of Beeler Street, near Chartres Street, around 5 a.m. New Albany Chief Deputy Fire Chief Tim Kron said a woman who escaped the home called 911 to report the fire. 

The woman and her cats made it out unharmed. They were checked by EMS at the scene and are expected to be OK. 

Kron said the woman is a friend of the home's owner and that they were in the process of renovating it. 

Pictures from the scene show heavy damage to the rear of home as well as the attic area. Firefighters did manage to prevent the fire from spreading to a nearby house just a few feet away and said it was a good thing the woman immediately called 911. 

Kron also said it's important to be cautious about the types of heating sources as colder weather sets in. 

"Obviously, this time of year, especially when it gets cold, people are going to start using space heaters," Kron said. "We ask them to be very careful when they use a space heater, to not overload their electrical systems. Be sure there are no combustibles around anywhere if using a space heater. If you're using a fireplace, be sure it's been inspected before you start it."

Investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire, but believe it was accidental.  

Related Stories:

Copyright 2023 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.