Now that's big news. I feel badly when any animal suffers, including humans, but I've never been that partial to cats. They take too much pleasure in torturing other, much smaller animals.

Dont get me wrong. I love cats. However, when you log onto the regions major newspaper website and there is an updated article titled "2 Cats Die in Levant House Fire" you have to wonder if it's a really slow news day or were those cats really important. If my dog passes away from old age should I contact the BDN for an interview?

To David889327: That is just sick. Can you be more heartless??? Those cats were a part of that family's life and all you can do is put a comment about how you don't care for cats. That they only take pleasure in tormenting other animals. Use some common sense..... That poor family is suffering right now. They not only lost their cats, but they could of lost their home or even a child. If their oldest would of been downstairs in his bedroom.... it could of been more tramatic!!!! Think before you decide to comment like that!

This just begs for a comment about a chinese restaraunt, however, I will defer out of respect for the next of kin.

At least the people and the dog made it out. If the cats were downstairs playing around maybe they knocked something over that started the fire. I'm not saying anything bad about cats so you cat lovers don't have to give me a thumbs down, but it is a possible don't you think?

"Richard Wade heard a loud “pop” coming from the basement of his Overlock Road home Monday morning, and when he when to check on the noise, he saw thick black smoke coming up the downstairs steps." I would rather have read that he heard the sound of a smoke detector especially since there is a bedroom in the basement.

yeah, if I were a mouse I think I'd rather be killed in a mouse trap than get killed by a cat- the mouse trap would be a lot quicker

I see your point kevin77.....if you own cats, do not use lit candles in your home, they do not mix well

Once again, if you people complaining about the story aren't interested in reading it...... don't read it!!

"Heels." It's "heels," not "heals."

Usually it takes a few minutes for the smoke detector to sound after the fire and smoke start, sounds like this guy heard the pop and checked it out within seconds. So hopefully there was a smoke detector down there and just hadn't had time to go off yet.

As the woman whose house it was and whose cats died in the fire I have a few things to say. Yes there was a smoke detector and my husband heard that too. My cats did not knock anything over as I dont allow my 9 year old to have candles or such in his room. Those cats belonged to my son, they were his dearest possesion and this happened the day before his birthday. We have pretty much lost everything. Did I think this story was newsworthy? No. Do I think that people who actually have mean spirited things to say after any kind of family tradgedy have no lives? Yes. Get a life. Or if you are so interested in others lives, maybe you could be helpful and not ignorant.

My heart goes out to you , jksmom99.

It's scary to think that there are so many ignorant people in this world. I have never been thru a fire and God willing never will, but I cannot imagine losing everything , not to mention beloved pets. Our cat is like a family member and we would be devastated if anything were to happen to him.

God Bless you and your family and, for as many people who were so quick to judge and be cruel, I pray there will be MORE that are willing to help out and get you back on your feet.

jksmom99 thank you for facts in this tragedy. My comment on the presence of a smoke detector in no way or shape was made to be critical, my apologies if it was. I have been a career firefighter for 27 years and too many times have witnessed fires where no detectors were present, sometimes with tragic results. Good luck to you and your family.

Come on people, this article is newsworthy. My heart goes out to the family that lost their home and precious cats. I too suffered a home loss many years ago, and fully appreciate the difficult times. Our pets are some of our most precious possessions. However, please do visit the Bangor Humane Society, whenever you can, and get a couple more kittens. Best..Larry T. Doughty, South Brewer..larrytdoughty@yahoo.com..www.ourstory.com/larrytdoughty/

Thank you for the good thoughts and wishes.The Levant Carmel and Hermon fire depts. were WONDERFUL and I cant thank everyone who has offered good thoughts enough. We are alive and that is most important.

jksmom...thank you for the update and facts related to the terrible fire...so glad you and yours are ok and please reach out thru your local Fire Dept. or Red Cross and let us know what you need and how we can help...maybe the BDN should have a free place for families to post their needs after such an event so people can help with clothing, furniture, toys, etc....and you are so right about the great community volunteers we have around the area...hang in there and hug your kids tonight!

jksmom99, job sticking up for yourself.. someone need to tell some of these jerks the real story... hope everything goes well with clean up...