A family dog died in an apartment fire that left some residents unable to exit because of smoke. All occupants were evacuated safely, and no civilian fatalities were reported, according to District Chief Meade with the Houston Fire Department.

Engine 10 arrived to find smoke and fire coming from one apartment unit. Firefighters entered the unit and quickly knocked down the flames.

The fire appeared to have started in the kitchen. Occupants told firefighters they were cooking when oil spilled onto the stove.

Residents at the rear of the apartment complex were unable to get out because of smoke. Crews positioned ladders near the balconies, but after extinguishing the fire and ventilating the building, firefighters were able to bring the residents down through the interior courtyard.

Meade confirmed that nobody jumped from a balcony, despite reports that someone had.