For the Reporter

Valley Regional Fire Authority firefighters quickly contained and doused a garage fire in Auburn this morning.

Three adult occupants along with two dogs and three birds were displaced. A chicken also escaped and survived the fire and was located nearby by a neighbor.

Damage is estimated to be $25,000. The garage is a total loss.

Firefighters responded to a report of a fire in a detached garage in the 2200 block of Hemlock Street Southeast at 9:37 a.m.

A passerby knocked on the residence door to alert the family of the fire in the garage. Firefighters were able to contain the fire to the garage and protect the adjacent residential structure.

Fire investigators have determined the fire was accidental in nature caused by combustibles located to close to a heat lamp that was being used to warm an ill chicken. There also was electrical damage.