JACKSON, MO (KFVS) - Nine cats were killed in an overnight fire at a Jackson veterinary clinic.



According to Jackson Fire Chief Jason Mouser, the call came in sometime between 12:30 and 1 a.m. Wednesday and the first crew on the scene found one room consumed in fire and the rest of the building was covered in smoke.



The fire was under control in about 30 minutes, but crews were on the scene for about two hours.



Mouser says there were nine cats in the clinic, Heartland Veterinary Care, at the time of the fire and all nine died from smoke inhalation.



The building sustained excessive heat and smoke damage, according to Mouser.



The fire chief says it is unclear if the cats belonged to someone or were up for adoption, but he believes most of them didn't have homes.



Authorities believe the incident was an accident but crews are expected to be back on scene during daylight hours on Wednesday to continue the investigation.



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