Shortly after 1630 hours, ENGINE 94 and TRUCK 9 were alerted along with other units from the 4th and 1st Battalions for a house fire in the 5400 block of Gallatin St.  Crews from 9 responded with a total of 11 men.  Company 9 arrived on scene to find a one and a half story, single family dwelling with smoke evident from the chimney.  After making entry, crews encountered heavy smoke conditions on the first floor.  Engine 94 positioned up the block to allow room for both truck companies and deployed an attack line to the first floor.  Truck 9 gained entry, completed primary and secondary searches, controlled utilities, and ventilated.  

Within minutes, Engine 94's crew located a fire in the basement, requested permission to attack the fire, and made the stairs where they found a room off in the basement.  Crews from 9 were assigned to the basement division and knocked all visible fire.  Engine Co. 1 handled extension on the exterior of the house on Side B.  With the fire being knocked down, Command held Engine 94, Truck 9, and the investigators to mop up.  One ferret was found in the basement and was removed from the house but he succumbed to his injuries.  Two guinea pigs, also in the basement, were not accounted for.  This was the second first due fire for Company 9 in a week.