Alger County local survives house fire and credits his cat

ROCK RIVER TOWNSHIP — An Alger County homeowner credits his cat for helping him escape an overnight house fire.

Around 1:30 a.m. Friday, a home on M-94 in Rock River Township was heavily smoking. The Rock River Township Fire Chief says when crews arrived, half of the home was up in flames. The fire reportedly started in the living room. Half of the home was heavily damaged by the fire.

The homeowner says his cat alerted him of the fire just before the smoke alarms went off. Firefighters saved the cat, and no injuries were reported.

As of 5:30 a.m. Friday morning, crews from Rock River Township Fire remain at the scene, checking for hot spots. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Rock River Township Fire, Mathias Township, Skandia West Branch and Au Train Township crews all reported to the scene.