GAITHERSBURG, Md. — A Gaithersburg family's pet cat became an unexpected hero after alerting them to a fire on Sunday, ensuring their safe escape.
Crews with Montgomery County Fire & Rescue were sent to a home on West Side Drive in Gaithersburg to fight the blaze after a 911 call was made from inside the house. A spokesperson for the department says there were no smoke alarms to alert the family, but the two residents were able to get out safely after their cat woke them up. The cat pawed at the two sleeping residents until they woke up and they noticed something burning.
"If it weren't for Prince waking me up, we would all be dead," a family member who did not want to be identified said. "He truly saved our lives and I believe he is our angel."
![](https://media.wusa9.com/assets/WUSA/images/eb64b4cd-3a42-4118-ab0b-26aaa3894955/20240715T195034/eb64b4cd-3a42-4118-ab0b-26aaa3894955_16x9.jpg)
![](https://media.wusa9.com/assets/WUSA/images/eb64b4cd-3a42-4118-ab0b-26aaa3894955/20240715T195034/eb64b4cd-3a42-4118-ab0b-26aaa3894955_1140x641.jpg)
Unfortunately, the cat who alerted the family to the flames has since died due to smoke inhalation.
Investigators say the fire started on the first floor of the building in the kitchen. It has caused an estimated $200,000 in damages and displaced two people.
READ NEXT:
WATCH NEXT:
Do you have a news tip on this story or any other story? We want to hear from you. Tell us about it by emailing newstips@wusa9.com.
MORE WAYS TO GET WUSA9
DOWNLOAD THE WUSA9 APP
Apple App Store: WUSA9 News on Apple
Google Play Store: WUSA9 News on Android
HOW TO ADD THE FREE WUSA9+ APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for WUSA9.
For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "WUSA9" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.
SIGN UP TO RECEIVE WUSA9 NEWSLETTER
Subscribe to our daily WUSA9 Newsletter for top stories from WUSA9 curated daily just for you. Get content and information right now for can’t-miss stories, Commanders content, weather, and more delivered right to your inbox.