Rescues in Toronto

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A candle in the basement of a Bloor West Village home is the suspected cause of an early morning fire Thursday that resulted in no human casualties but did claim the lives of several pets. A 42-year-old woman escaped the blaze at a house on St. Helens Avenue southwest of Bloor Street and Lansdowne Avenue at about 12:45 a.m., police said.

Her 33-year-old brother was rescued from the roof by firefighters. Her 65-year-old mother was removed from the house and taken to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation.

A cat, a guinea pig and two snapping turtles were rescued from the home and were picked up by Toronto Animal Services.

However, two cats and a bird are among the animals that died in the fire.

Smoke detectors in the home were not working, police said.