The residents of a home on Spring Lake Road in Rhinelander and the family cat are safe following a structure fire Tuesday night. The Rhinelander Fire Department was dispatched to 550 Spring Lake Road at 7:11 p.m. Fire Chief Terry Williams reported the crew was on the scene in less than three minutes, and at that time observed heavy smoke and fire venting through the roof, with the roof collapsing shortly after the department’s arrival.

The substantial fire forced the firefighters to retreat from an attempted interior attack of the flames, choosing instead to work on a defensive plan.

After more than two hours, firefighters heard the meow of the family cat. The structure was entered through a window and the cat was safely rescued and given oxygen by firefighters, warmed and returned to the owners.

Crews remained on the scene for several more hours, working in the extreme cold to extinguish small fires. Once the trucks were returned to the station a fire watch team remained to keep an eye on the scene. No injuries were received by firefighters.

Rhinelander Fire Department was assisted by Pine Lake and Pelican Fire Departments as well as Oneida County Medic-1.