Two men were rescued from a second-story balcony after a fire broke out at their residence just before 3 p.m. Monday.

The Zanesville Fire Department arrived on the scene of a house fire with flames and smoke coming from inside the duplex at 924 Maple Ave.

Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire and rescue two cats and a dog from the house. One cat is still missing, Assistant Chief John Rodman said. Fire fighters attempted to negotiate with the frightened dog, who was on the balcony, before wrapping him in a blanket and placing him in a tote to get him down.

Both men that climbed down from the balcony were taken to the hospital due to smoke inhalation. Rodman said the residents attempted to save the cats which were still inside when firefighters arrived.

It’s unclear what caused the fire or how much damage was done to the home as the fire is still under investigation.

All animals that were pulled from the fire appear to be fine, Rodman said.

Zanesville Fire and Police Departments, as well as ValueCare Ambulance, Community Ambulance and AEP were all on scene.

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