In Cassadaga, local volunteer firefighters were called to 22 High St. around 1:45 a.m. In a news release, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office said the blaze — which drew first responders from numerous area departments — began on a rear porch. The cause was due to the “combustion of oil soaked cotton rags.”

No injuries were noted by fire officials or the Sheriff’s Office; occupants were reportedly being assisted by the local chapter of the American Red Cross.

About a half-hour after the fire was reported in Cassadaga, flames were discovered on the front porch of a home at 341 E. Fifth St. in the city of Jamestown. The fire was found by the homeowner who then called 911.

According to Cris Dahlgren, battalion chief with the Jamestown Fire Department, crews arrived on scene to find heavy fire on the front porch that then extended into the first floor and eventually the roof.

Photo by the Forestville Fire Department Firefighters from several departments were called to High Street in Cassadaga for a fire that broke out around 1:45 a.m.

All occupants of the single-family home managed to escape. However, two cats died in the blaze, Dahlgren said. The family also was being assisted by the Red Cross.

The fire was under control in about 30 minutes, and crews remained on scene until about 7:30 a.m. An investigation determined the cause was due to “improperly discarded smoking materials.”

Significant damage could be seen toward the front of the large home where the porch is located.

In addition to city firefighters, the Jamestown Police Department, Alstar EMS, city Board of Public Utilities and Chautauqua County EMS assisted at the scene.