By Gary Taylor
The Orlando Sentinel
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Ants are blamed for a Tuesday fire that killed at least nine cats in a Daytona Beach house that had dozens of felines living there.
Carpenter ants built a large nest around an electrical outlet, fire Lt. Fred Godawa said. When the ants grounded themselves, they caught on fire and flames from the outlet spread to nearby furniture, he said.
Firefighters called to the scene on Vine Street brought out 36 cats, including the nine dead ones, Godawa said. Dozens more cats escaped from the burning house on their own, he said.
Up to 80 cats were at the home, including some in cages outside, Godawa said. Two were taken to a veterinarian. About two dozen were taken to the Flagler Humane Society.
Rhonda Spivey, one of the homeowners, told firefighters she started off with a couple of cats and began taking in strays. Eventually, people started dropping off cats at her home, she said.
The homeowners could have been cited for operating without a license and exceeding the number of animals allowed in a residence, but they will not be charged, Flynt said.
Damage to the house and contents was estimated at $80,000, and the loss was not insured, Flynt said.
Copyright 2009 Sentinel Communications Co.