HOISINGTON — A house cat alerted a Hoisington woman to a fire in her kitchen that resulted in no injuries and minimal damage early Friday morning, according to a report from the Hoisington Fire Department.

Hoisington Fire Chief Jerry Stricker noted that the department was dispatched to the 500 block of East First Street at approximately 3:54 a.m. on March 15 for a reported structure fire.

Upon arrival, the owner was observed waiting for the department to arrive on the front porch of the home, along with one cat and one dog. Smoke was visible coming from inside the one-story house. All three were escorted to safety, Stricker said.

The fire had spread from the stove and started the wall on fire. Investigation indicated that electrical issues within the control panel of the stove had ignited the blaze. 

Firefighters were on-scene for approximately 45 minutes; minimal damage was done to the kitchen. No injuries were reported.

Stricker said that the homeowner explained that she had fallen asleep along with her dog on the couch, and the cat jumped up on her and woke her up and she saw the smoke.

“She credited the cat for saving her life,” Stricker said. “Animals are amazing creatures; you’d be surprised at what they can sense about a situation. It’s just amazing what they can do.”

The Hoisington department was assisted by the Hoisington Police Department, Barton County Dispatch and the Barton County Sheriff’s Office.