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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Readers' Choice Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Neighborhoods Employment Guide Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend October 25, 2006 Firefighters work to extinguish the remainder of a blaze that gutted a historic home Tuesday on Third Street in Phoenix. (Mail Tribune / Denise Baratta) Fire chars Phoenix home Witnesses said they heard explosion; 2 pets are killed in blaze By Paris Achen Mail Tribune A fire gutted an 1890s home in downtown Phoenix Tuesday, displacing a family of four and killing a pet dog and cat. The fire at the North Church Street home of Paul and Vivian Todak ignited shortly after 11 a.m. while the Todaks were at work. Their daughter and son were in class at Phoenix High and Talent Middle schools. Two passersby who saw the house on fire broke down a door to let out the pets. Only one dog, Tucker, escaped and ran out into the street. Another dog, Max, and a cat, Tiger Lily, perished in the flames. Witnesses said they heard an explosion inside the house shortly before the fire erupted. The fire drew a crowd of students from nearby schools and neighbors who watched fire crews from Phoenix, Jackson County Fire District 5, Medford and Jacksonville battle the blaze. Advertisement Vivian Todak arrived from work to see flames shooting out of the roof and walls of her home along with billows of dark smoke. Appearing stunned, she stopped short in the middle of the street and put a hand to her forehead. Friends rushed to her side and embraced her. Todak grew up in the house from the age of 5 before raising her own family there. Although the structure and its contents were fully insured, the house was filled with family memories and heirlooms, she said. "We'll see what's left," she said. Her husband arrived a few minutes later, his body shaking and tears streaming down his face. The couple held each other, watching the smoke rise from the house. Water from the fire hoses made a rainbow in front of the smoke. The Todaks turned away from the fire to greet Tucker, who'd been found by a neighbor. The dog licked Vivian's hand. The cause of the fire was not immediately known. Fire investigators were still on scene Tuesday evening. Later in the afternoon, members of the family stayed at neighbor Charlotte Seaman's house, where other neighbors and well-wishers brought clothes and other gifts to the family. "Many of these people have known Vivian since she was 5 years old," Seaman said. "It's a great neighborhood. Everybody takes care of everybody, and they always have." Reach reporter Paris Achen by calling 541-776-4459 or [email protected] . Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Online Casino Reviews Men's Clothing GMAT Prep Fundraisers UK Homeowner Loans Discount Hotel Reservations Send Flowers Casinos Canada Texas Electric Choice Compare Electric rates in Texas Windermere Van Vleet Trunks, Footlocker Online poker at AbsolutePoker.com