• Fire in cat shelter leaves dozens dead and injured
• Firefighters rescue some cats and launch investigation

A fire broke out in a two-story detached house in the Çarşıbaşı neighborhood of Sivas, Turkey, which had been designated for housing cats, resulting in the deaths of 26 cats from smoke inhalation.

According to initial reports, the fire erupted around 9:30 p.m. yesterday on the upper floor of the house owned by N.H., who had allocated it for the cats while living in another residence.

Neighbors noticed smoke rising from the building and immediately alerted the fire department.

Sivas Municipality’s civil defense teams quickly arrived, extinguished the fire, and rescued 10 trapped cats. Cats affected by smoke or injuries were taken for veterinary treatment. It was reported that the house contained a total of 36 cats.

Authorities have launched an urgent investigation to determine the cause of the fire and assign responsibility.