LETHBRIDGE:  After being called to a house fire in the 3300 block of 6th Avenue south around 5:00-pm Tuesday, Police and Fire crews were still on scene by 8:00 in the evening.  By that time, there was little left of what was known as "The Last Chance Cat Ranch". 

A total of four fire stations responded to the blaze which caused an estimated $150,000 in damage. 

A statement from the Fire Prevention Officer stated, "One occupant was in the home at the time of the fire and managed to free several pets from the burning structure prior to exiting".  The man was treated for minor smoke inhalation by Paramedics.  The statement also noted that all animals located at the scene of the fire were taken away by Lethbridge Animal services. 

Neighbours believed there were almost three dozen cats in the home at the time the fire started and that more than a dozen were rescued.  Some people were walking through the neighbourhood, on the look-out for possible strays.

A young woman who lived near the fire told Country 95 News that she had occasionally spoken with the owner of the home and described her as "a sweet lady who loved cats and couldn't say no to a stray".  

Fire officials had no information on the fire's possible cause. They, and Regional Police, continue to investigate.