Quick work from the Dunkirk Fire Department on Thursday evening prevented a fire originating in the laundry room of a Dunkirk home from becoming a much bigger problem.

“It looks like we caught it early,” said a City of Dunkirk firefighter on the scene.

The City of Dunkirk Fire Department responded to a structure fire at approximately 4:42 p.m., Thursday, at 410 Robin Street.

Upon arrival, crews found smoke and fire coming from the first floor in the rear of the house. Firefighters used multiple hose lines and tools to bring the fire under control. By 5:10 p.m., there were no flames or smoke visible from the street.

City of Dunkirk Police had Robin Street blocked off from traffic, as several firefighters calmly entered and exited the front door of the residence. Firefighters also accessed the upper level of the building on a ladder from outside the home.

There were no injuries reported at the scene. The lone occupant of the house made it out safely and received assistance from the Red Cross. Firefighters also rescued a pet cat from the residence.

The City of Dunkirk Fire Department was assisted by the Fredonia Fire Department, East Dunkirk Fire Department, Alstar EMS and Chautauqua County EMS.

The cause of the fire was investigated by City and County Fire Investigators. Through the investigation, the fire was ruled accidental in nature caused by the improper discarding of smoking materials.