One person was transported to the hospital and multiple animals were rescued following an apartment fire Friday afternoon at the Jefferson Apartments.

Just before 2 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 30, the South Bend Fire Department was dispatched to the 3000 block of Rue Renoir for a reported commercial fire. Upon arrival, crews encountered heavy smoke and an active fire in the kitchen of a single apartment unit.

Firefighters quickly brought the fire under control and checked for extension. The fire was contained to the affected unit and did not spread to neighboring apartments.

One occupant was transported to the hospital for evaluation. No firefighters were injured.

Crews rescued several animals from the apartment, including five cats, two dogs, two lizards, and one snake. One dog died as a result of the fire. The remaining animals were treated on scene for smoke inhalation, with firefighters providing life-saving care until the South Bend Animal Resource Center arrived to transport them for further treatment.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.