Firefighters battle a house fire on Melrose Drive Tuesday. No one was at home at the time. Two dogs escaped but firefighters found four puppies dead.

VALDOSTA — Four puppies died during a fire on Melrose Drive.

About 11:27 a.m. Tuesday, the Valdosta Fire Department responded to the report of a structure fire at 2481 Melrose Drive. The first fire unit arrived within five minutes to find heavy smoke and flames coming from a single-family residence, according to a statement from the fire department.  

Firefighters brought the fire under control and conducted a thorough search, confirming no individuals were inside. There were no injuries reported, and no occupants were present at the time of the incident. 

Two dogs escaped, the fire department said, but four puppies were located deceased in the area of the fire. 

SGMC Health EMS and the Valdosta Police Department assisted with on-scene operations. Three occupants were displaced due to the fire, and the American Red Cross was notified for assistance.  

The cause of the fire is under investigation.