Two pets died when a fire started in a Normal Heights apartment Monday.
Firefighters responded to the call from the 4400 block of 38th Street just after 4 p.m. Monday.
Heavy fire and smoke shot from the top of the two-story building when crews arrived.
Acasia Bloxton lives near the unit where the fire started. She, like several other residents, scrambled to save her pet from the smoke and fire.
Bloxton said the fire was so hot it melted the screen off her apartment window.
"Everything was melted down. It was coming up over the ceiling," she said. "So much smoke."
"Residents were trying to get in there and claim their animals," said Battalion Chief Colin Stowell. "We did the best to cooperate and try to get those as well."
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Bloxton said one friend climbed up the side of the building, grabbing dogs and dropping them down to friends below.
"Human can fend for themselves. You have hands and you can open and close a door. Dogs can't," said Bloxton whose dog Killian made it out safely."
Two animals died in the fire. No people were injured. The San Diego chapter of the American Red Cross was called in to help several displaced residents.
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