Watertown Fire Rescue was called to a house fire at 1111 3rd St NE at approx. 4:40pm. Upon arrival firefighters made entry into the house and found heavy smoke and high heat. A quick initial attack kept the fire to the room of origin, but the rest of the house did have heavy smoke and heat damage. The house did have numerous canine animals in the main level. There were many canine fatalities but firefighters were able to save many other dogs. There was no one home at the time of the fire and no other injuries were reported. At this time the cause of the fire is under investigation.
Watertown Fire Rescue would like to remind all citizens to stay away from fire scenes, do not congregate or park in the area, as more emergency vehicles may be coming to the scene. Fire scenes are very dangerous and it depletes resources when firefighters have to keep ushering people away from the scene.