An elderly couple and their pets safely escaped a house fire in Eudora on Friday afternoon.

At 3:18 p.m. Friday, the Eudora Police Department responded to a structure fire at 1219 Elm St. When the Eudora Fire Department arrived on scene there were no flames, but smoke was coming from the building, Eudora Police Sgt. Tom Willis said.

The fire caused significant smoke and heat damage to the home, particularly in the back of the building. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, Willis said.

The fire was extinguished within three to five minutes of the fire department arriving on scene. Units from Wakarusa Township, Eudora Township and the Lawrence-Douglas Fire Medical also responded to the fire.

The home’s two occupants and their three dogs were able to flee the home before the fire department arrived. Firefighters rescued the owners’ cat, which was given oxygen, Willis said.

The occupants suffered minor injuries from smoke inhalation, but were treated and are doing fine, police said.

The couple will not be able to return to the home immediately and are staying with relatives. The American Red Cross is providing financial assistance for food and clothing.