The La Broquerie Fire Department responded to a structure fire early Sunday morning. 

Chief Al Nadeau says they were called at 2:45 am to a house fire on Beaupre Bay, and flames were spotted upon arrival. 

“When we arrived, we saw that it wasn't that involved,” he adds. “It looked like an external ignition. There was some smoke on the inside, so we did an internal search to make sure there was nobody in there and then put the fire out in the basement.” 

Nadeau says the residents were not home during the fire, and they were able to save their pets. 

“There were cats and a couple hamsters in there.” 

Nadeau credits neighbours for their quick action, noticing the fire during that time of night and calling 911 right away. 

The fire was contained to the basement, and he says it was mostly external damage with some smoke damage in the home. 

The cause of the fire is under investigation.